THE stunning contours of Lakeland have changed little over the generations but the lives of its inhabitants have.

A new book, published by four residents of Cartmel Fell, traces the lives of local families back through the ages and uncovers the stories behind dozens of black and white photographs.

Anecdotes contributed from the local community by word of mouth make rich reading and many colourful characters are unearthed, from a professional bare knuckle fighter to the Land Army poster girl.

Life on the Fell - a pictorial chronicle of a Lakeland Community started life as a compilation of old photographs collected by the late David Caldwell, who lived in a former home of author Arthur Ransome.

When he died, the collection was passed around local families and more pictures were added.

Jennifer Forsyth, chairman of the Cartmel Fell and District Local History Society, said:

"I think we have around 300 photographs now and the collection is still growing.

People have been very forthcoming and given us their photographs as well as stories about the past.

One of the best photographs is of a girl who came to the fell with the Land Army and later became the official Land Army girl on all the recruitment posters."

Other members of the book production team are David Caldwell's wife Helen and his brother John Caldwell, assisted by Beryl and John Offley of Cartmel Fell, who shared their proof reading and cartography skills.

Beryl and John arrived in the area five years ago and, in a quest to learn more about their new home, became involved with the local history society.

They discovered that their home at Thorphinsty Hall had once been the home of the Taylor family.

Jennifer said: "John Taylor was a bare knuckle fighter who would make extra money after the harvest by staying in the Mason's Arms and taking on all comers.

We even have a picture of him with a black eye."

John said: "Pictures are unique because they can show us exactly what a person looked like - it is as close as you can get to real life."

The book features chapters on life in the village school and church, both of which are still standing although the school is now a community centre.

"There is a good sense of community in this area still - only recently we all met up for bonfire night," said Beryl.

The book, which is part financed by Grange, Cartmel and Lyth Valley Neighbourhood Forum, South Lakeland District Council's Millennium Grant Programme and The Local Heritage Initiative, has already stimulated further local interest in the past.

At the last talk given by the Local History Society the usual level of interest had doubled.

John Caldwell said: "What makes the project so interesting is that it is ongoing, our sponsors recognised that the process does not stop with the publication of the book.

It is a way of generating interest in local history in the community."

Life on the Fell - a pictorial chronicle of a Lakeland Community was launched this week at the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, and will be available at £10 from the Westmorland Gazette Shop and Bowland Bridge Post Office or on 01573-420-695 priced £11, including postage and packaging.