JOY Crawshaw has a passion for history - and local history in particular.

It was an enthusiasm she sought to instil in her pupils during a long teaching career at primary schools in Haxby, Sand Hutton, Harrogate and elsewhere.

"I always taught history," she said. "That was when we were free to choose our curriculum. Fortunately, there's still a place for it on the National Curriculum."

She would take children on tours of York and encourage them to think about why different buildings and industries were found in the city.

"Why are there Rowntree's and Terry's? Because of the sugar beet factory, and the cocoa could be brought down the river and then, in time, on the railways."

These lessons "give children a sense of place," Joy said, "and an interest in history, rather than just learning because it's on the curriculum.

"It's not forced upon them. They can take a walk and gain an interest in the people who have gone and what they have left behind them."

This same principle inspired her new and unique history of York. Whose City Was This? tells the story of a fictitious school outing to our city. Teachers take their pupils around the city and explain how the centuries and numerous invaders have shaped our ancient streets.

All the historical information given is accurate. So, although it can be read at home purely for interest and entertainment, the book could also be used as an informal walking guide around York, particularly for families.

Joy has been a voluntary city guide for six years, and the storyline follows the same circuit as the official tours. It begins in Museum Gardens, and the story begins, of course, with the Romans founding the city in AD71.

Another reason for following the guide route is safety said Joy, who is also an Evening Press community correspondent.

"As I have gone around York as a resident I have noticed school teachers allowing children to straggle across pavements and even try to cross busy roads without using the main crossings."

This isn't Joy's first book. That was the Sound Dictionary, published in 1976. It was written for children who could read but had difficulty spelling, and was such a success that a national educational publisher took it on.

Joy, a member of the Society of Authors, spent two years researching and writing Whose City Was This? It is self-published, printed by Sessions, and has many black and white illustrations, mostly Joy's own photographs.

It should be available in local bookshops soon at £4.50.

To buy a copy direct from the author email crwshw@aol.com, or write to her at 23 Hempland Avenue, York YO31 1DD, enclosing a cheque for £5.10 (60p postage and packing).

Updated: 08:45 Monday, January 17, 2005