INTERVIEW: Author's delight at success of book uncovering stories of Lancaster and Morecambe

An author has been talking about the success of his book about the quirky stories of Lancaster, Morecambe and the surrounding area.

Lindsay Sutton spoke to Beyond Radio about '111 Places in Lancaster & Morecambe That You Shouldn't Miss'.

The book uncovers the unexpected in our local district - everything from the tale of how comedian Eric Morecambe was born in the wrong house to Charles Dickens writing a ghost story in Lancaster.

It has proven so popular with readers, it was the best-selling book over the festive period in Lancaster Waterstones - with only the release of Prince Harry's autobiography knocking it from the top spot!

LISTEN to Lindsay Sutton talking about his book

"I underestimated how much work was involved!" said Lindsay.

"I dug deep to find the quirky, the off-beat, and the different. You dig up nuggets that you never knew were there.

"For example, when Heysham Port was built, they built two shanty towns to build the port and the railway station. There is still a remnant of earth behind the golf club.

"Not everybody knows that Eric Morecambe was born in the wrong house. He should have been born in his home house on Buxton Street but there was a leak in the roof, his mother's bed was wet, so his mother was transferred to her sister's two doors down. Right baby, wrong house!"

Morecambe's 'Old Pier Bookshop' and Brucciani's ice cream parlour, Edmondsons Shrimp Shop in the West End of the town, Galgate Silk Mill, 76 Church Street in Lancaster where Bonnie Prince Charlie reportedly stayed, Lancaster Brewery and Glasson Dock are also among the many places featured.

'111 Places in Lancaster & Morecambe That You Shouldn't Miss' features photographs by David Taylor and is available now.

Lindsay was speaking at a gathering held at Soul Bowl in Morecambe to herald the announcement of funding for Eden Project Morecambe.