A Micklethwaite couple have written a history of the village following research they have carried out over the past 20 years.

Gerald and Sheila Young talked to residents who had lived in the village, between East Morton and Crossflatts, as far back as 1900.

They also studied parish registers, census data, wills, land transfers, monastic records and archives dating from mediaeval times to the 19th century.

The result is a 104-page paperback that presents a chronological history of the last century, followed by villagers' recollections of each facet of village life.

The book covers families, health, housing, education, religion, law and order, war, weather, employment, transport, and memorable celebrations and entertainments.

There are many old photographs, documents and maps as well as a colour section showcasing most of the present-day houses.

Mr and Mrs Young, of Inglenook, wanted to find out about Micklethwaite's history soon after moving into their cottage in 1985.

They discovered that nothing had been published apart from a 1983 article in Yorkshire Life by Barry Charles, including his watercolour paintings of the village.

Mr Young said he and his wife recorded many hours of interviews with about 25 villagers.

He said: "This seemed a unique opportunity, particularly as Sheila had previous experience of interviewing and collating social histories."

Mr and Mrs Young subsequently wrote magazine articles, held local history evenings and talked to the Micklethwaite Village Society.

Mr Young said: "We have attempted to identify factors that have contributed to the location and growth of Micklethwaite and influenced the occupations of the inhabitants.

"The historical record allows us to identify some individuals, regional and national events that have contributed to, or affected, village life."

Micklethwaite the History of a Moorland Village costs £8.95 from Reids bookshop in Cavendish Street, Keighley, and from Bingley Library.