TOWN councillor Charles Vernon, who has already written a book about Malmesbury, has created a new historical guide to the town.

The book, which has numerous black and white photographs and maps, is designed to show visitors and residents that there is more to Malmesbury than just the abbey and Market Cross.

It invites readers to take two walks through the town and describes the people and events associated with past and present buildings.

The first walk around Malmesbury, which received a charter in 880 A.D. and is England's oldest borough, takes in Station Yard, the Abbey, Silver Street and St John's Bridge.

The second walk follows a route around Westport, Burton Hill and Cowbridge.

Coun Vernon, whose first book Malmesbury Then and Now sold 500 copies within six weeks, said it had taken him five years to write the latest guide.

He said: "I am fascinated about the history of Malmesbury.

"The book is for people from Malmesbury and also for visitors.

"At one time Malmesbury was in effect the capital of England and the street layout is the same as it was 1,000 years ago.We have to preserve that environment."

An Historical Guide to Malmesbury is available at the town hall, the abbey and local bookshops, price £8. All profits go to Malmesbury Civic Trust which published the book.