A BOOK 20 years in the making which commemorates Otley men who lost their lives in the First World War has been published.

After almost two decades of research and writing, Otley man Peter Burnham has launched the limited edition, 500-page book titled Nor the Years Condemn.

It honours the 187 men whose names are recorded on the Parish of Otley Memorial Tablet located in Otley Parish Church, the vast majority of whom gave their lives for their country whilst on active service during the 1914-1918 war.

Peter, an ex-serviceman, whose forebears fought in the conflict began researching the book in 2004 as he was keen to learn more about the men recorded on the memorial and who, for the most part, made the ultimate sacrifice.

Peter said: "Although the research and writing proved difficult at times and took much longer than I had anticipated, it became a labour of love and I am pleased to finally present a lasting legacy in commemoration to many of those who died from Otley during the First World War.”

During his research he discovered that one of the fallen soldiers worked as a gardener at an old house in Otley.

By chance Diane Francis saw Peter's post about it on social media and realised that the person being mentioned was her Great Uncle Ben.

A few months later, after a few emails, Diane and her husband Nigel, met up with Peter as he was aiming to start the procedure of getting his book published and was looking for funding as he wished the proceeds of the book to eventually go to a good cause.

Nigel Francis said: “We were delighted to step in and fund the important historical reference book by Peter Burnham.

"The Francis family have supported many local organisations and charities over the years from their fundraising events and I, being the only person to have been Mayor of Otley in the past on four occasions, welcomed the opportunity of promoting and paying for the printing of such an important history reference book in its entirety.

"We will be donating the whole amount of money from the sale of the book to the Royal British Legion, Lister House, Ripon, which is the only home in Yorkshire providing care and facilities for ex-servicemen and women and their dependents.”

The book, priced at £24.99, cash payment only, will be launched and on sale on Saturday. October 26 at The Buttercross, Market Place, Otley and available at a coffee morning at Clitherow House, off Manor Square, Otley on Wednesday, October 30; at the Parish Church coffee morning on Friday, November 1, and at Otley Lions Bookshop, Mercury Row, Otley, as well as at local churches.