A BOOK about the life of a Selby bargeman, written by a local historian has raised more than £1,100 for charity.

Laurie Dews, aged 87, started work on the Selby Taurus barge on the River Ouse with his father during his school holiday in 1930s, and worked on barges until his retirement in 1987.

The Story Of A River Bargeman was written by local historian David Lewis, and recounts Laurie’s work with countless cargoes and wartime journeys.

David said: “Part of the purpose of the ‘Hidden Heritage’ project was to record the kind of jobs that people in Selby used to do.

“That would then help youngsters in town have a better understanding of the history of the town. It was a delight to work with Laurie to learn about a vanished way of life.”

Every school in Selby has now been given a free copy of the book, which is also available in Selby and Barlby libraries.

Another 500 copies have also been sold around the region.

All proceeds will go to Friends of Selby War Memorial Hospital.