THREE years of intensive research by local sports historian Rick Kibby are about to bear fruit with the publication of an exhaustive history of sport in Devizes and district.

Entitled Devizes Allsports, the 400-page book is lavishly illustrated with photographs and covers sporting life in the area from hunting in the Castle grounds in the 13th century to the latest achievements of local people in tennis, soccer and rugby.

Mr Kibby said: "You name a sport and it's in there. If I have left anything out, I apologise but if anyone likes to contact me, I will try and get it in the next edition."

Mr Kibby has had to publish the book himself and, to keep costs down, he has recruited an army of volunteers to read proofs and undertake the huge job of collating the last three years of research.

But the cost of production will still top £10,000 and Mr Kibby is trying to cover his costs by offering a special pre-publication deal of the hardback edition of the book at £25 with the name of the subscriber included in a list at the back of the book.

So far 300 people have taken up the offer but Mr Kibby says he could do with another 100 subscribers.

He hopes the book will be out by November, just in time to be a festive gift for local sports enthusiasts.

"This will make the perfect Christmas present for anyone who is involved, or whose family is involved, in sport. That just about includes everyone as there can be few families around who haven't had someone playing some kind of sport in the area."

The book will be on sale from Devizes Books in Sidmouth Street and Detour sportswear in Old Swan Yard as well as other outlets in town.

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the pre-publication deal should contact Mr Kibby at Detour or e-mail him on richard.kibby@btopenworld.com.