A new book has been published tracing the history of an Oakworth family and charting its influence on the area.

The 53-page booklet, Oakworth and the Sharps - 250 years of farming, textiles and building in the West Riding from 1750, is packed with maps and photographs.

Author Stephen Sharp admits that his compilation of the book over the past couple of years has been something of a personal voyage of discovery. The narrative draws from the memories of his father, Arnold, combining his own experiences and things he had heard from his grandmother. Sadly Arnold died in October, shortly before the book was completed, and the publication has been dedicated to his memory. Extensive research was carried out using numerous sources, including back issues of the Keighley News. The book principally focuses on the lives and occupations of nine generations of Sharps, from the family's early days at Slippery Ford when - in 1756 - John died and left the farm to his sons Isaac and Jacob.

It describes how family members over the years - through trades including farming, textiles, building and stonemasonry - have made a lasting impact on the village and its surrounding area. Many local buildings - from Oak-worth House and Bogthorn Chapel, to Laycock Institute - were constructed by Sharps. But the book also includes fascinating information shedding light on other aspects of bygone life in Oakworth and Keighley.

The mill owning families of Sugden, Haggas, Mitchell, Merrall, Craven and Hattersley are featured. Local education, religion and transport also come under the spotlight, and of course any book about Oakworth's past would not be complete without a mention of former MP Isaac Holden. The book can be bought, priced £14, from Reid's bookshop in Cavendish Street.

The Sharps, left -- Arnold with family on his 90th birthday in 2000: back, from left, Gavin Taylor, Stuart, Sam and Stephen Sharp. Front, Rachel, Janet, Vicki and Kathryn.