A TAVISTOCK historian has begun searching out historic pictures of Whitchurch to illustrate a new book on the parish.

Gerry Woodcock has been commissioned by publishers Halsgrove to produce a book on Whitchurch based on historic pictures ? a term Gerry says could include the most recent past.

Gerry said he was looking to borrow photographs from local people to complete the book.

?These could be family pictures, or photographs of events, people, buildings or organisations in the parish or village,? he said.

Gerry said he would, of course, undertake to take care of the pictures during the short period of the loan, and sources would be suitably acknowledged in the book.

Publication of the Whitchurch book is planned for 2004, following a companion volume on Tavistock for Halsgrove, which will come out later this year. Anyone able to help is asked to get in touch with Gerry Woodcock at 2 Courtlands Close, Tavistock or on 01822 613597.