A historian is going back to the future in a bid to stop her neighbourhood being wiped from the face of the map.

Anne Wallace has taken to the internet to create an online historical archive, bringing alive nostalgic memories of Greengates.

She fears the demolition of the older buildings and the encroachment of surrounding suburbs means the village and its name could vanish for ever.

Miss Wallace, 47, said: "I want the wonderful atmosphere and community spirit that I can remember in Greengates when I was growing up to come back.

"There is hardly anything left of the old place. It has been annihilated.

"It is time to bring the pride back. I believe if we can get enough people to rally around the wonderful memories people have of the village the community spirit will follow. "

Miss Wallace plans to record tales and anecdotes of around 50 of the oldest residents in Greengates to capture memories of the pre-war era.

The website will also feature photographs and up-to-date community information.

A CD Rom will be put on sale to raise money for the project.

Miss Wallace is keen to hear from witnesses to the royal visit in 1926 when future kings, Edward VIII and George VI, unveiled the cenotaph.

Historian Philip Rushworth said Greengates has existed since at least the early 1500s but its heyday was in the textile boom of the 19th Century.

"Greengates used to be a thriving mill town and community but there is no work here to attract people any more," he said. "Unfortunately, I think it is too late to save the village's identity - as far as most people are concerned, it is now just a set of cross roads."

But Councillor Dave Ward, of Idle ward, said: "I think this is a great idea. Nowhere is going to escape the tide of time but it is such a shame when places change for the worse.

"Hopefully this web-site can restore some pride."

Anyone who can help with the project can contact Miss Wallace on (01274) 613219.