RICHARD Cann has spent the last 12 years of his life researching the history of his birthplace of Bridestowe and his work is now destined for print.

But the writer faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet by choosing what to leave out of his manuscript, which has to be reduced by 50 per cent before publishers Halsgrove will accept it.

Due to be published early next year, the book will be the latest offering in the Halsgrove series on histories of towns and villages.

It all started in 1989 when the history fan, who now lives in Exmouth, came across some information about Bridestowe in the Devon Records Library in Exeter.

Having spent the first 15 years of his life in the West Devon village his interest was aroused.

Through his links with Bridestowe and its residents such as Calmady-Hamlyns, whose family tree can be traced back to William the Conquerer's time, he gathered more and more information which gradually turned into a 500-page manuscript.

Mr Cann also has another hurdle to jump.

As Halsgrove publications are more picture orientated than text, Mr Cann is desperately trying to acquire a further 50 photos to make up the 200 requested for the book.

'I have put a notice up in the village asking for old photos but I have not had a great response, although the people of my own age who still live there have been excellent,' he said.

'I am hoping there are other people who can lend me photographs — I remember when I was a kid there were lots of events on the sporting green and I would love some pictures of these.'

Mr Cann said he does not expect to make any money from the publication, which had to sell 1,000 copies before he received any royalties, but getting his work printed was the reward.

'I have put such a lot of work into this it will be really great to see it in print,' he said. 'I hope to correct a lot of the myths concerning Bridestowe.'

Anyone who can assist Mr Cann should call 01395 278051.