Three local history societies have joined forces to produce a book about an area where three parishes meet.

Ditchford is where the boundaries of Irchester, Irthlingborough and Rushden meet and its lakes provided a popular attraction for a day out in days gone by.

Two years ago Irchester and Irthlingborough historical societies and Rushden & District History Society started researching the book.

Ditchford Days includes photographs of the former leisure area, the history of the Ditchford ‘Treacle Mines’ (actually ironstone mines) and people’s memories.

Chairman of the Irchester society Jon-Paul Carr said: “The book goes back to Victorian times and includes the time 500 people from Rushden went to Ditchford for a day trip in 1935!

“One thing we all decided to omit was any reference to crime and lives claimed by the river and railway.

“We have published 1,000 copies and any profits will go towards the societies to further their work.”