TRAVELLERS in York are compiling a book about their lives which should provide a permanent record of their community's history.

The project, which has just won a Millennium Award of £2,000 towards its costs, is being led by Christine Shepherd, co-ordinator of the York Travellers' Trust.

She said: "People in Leeds had done a similar project, and travellers in York decided it might be a nice idea to do their own book about their culture and their experiences and their way of life."

She said a group was meeting every week and was welcoming anybody, from families with toddlers to elderly people.

"We've started putting ideas together and are planning to carry out some interviews with older people.

"It's going to be about the York travellers' community, about their lives."

The cash was awarded to the project by the Reading Families Millennium Award Scheme, which targets groups at risk of becoming switched off reading.

She said the group was hoping to finish by book by January 2003 and it would be published shortly after that.

"We're hoping to have a big celebration launch for what will be a historical document," she said.

- If you are a member of York's travelling community and want to submit your memories, life stories or ideas, contact Christine on 01904 630526.

Updated: 10:58 Tuesday, April 09, 2002