Stroud is a fascinating Cotswold market town, says the author of the latest book from Stroud's own Amberley Publishing based at Merrywalks.

With his latest publication, Stroud and the Five Valleys From Old Photographs, author and historian Howard Beard has created a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of our hillside town "built at the convergence of five valleys."

Providing a wealth of fascinating historical photographs from bygone years, Mr Beard's latest book explores Stroud's wool trade, the arrival of its canals and railways, construction of fine public buildings and the development of streets, parks and shops.

He also shows us what has been lost over the years and consigned to memory.

As Amberley says, "this fully-illustrated new book will appeal to visitors as well as residents who will have fond memories of what was once there."

Stroud and the Five Valleys From Old Photographs will be published on August 15 by Amberley Publishing and will be available to purchase from all good bookstores and online.