A FASCINATING book reveals how schools were developed back through the ages in the ancient Widnes village of Farnworth.

Local historian Alan Foster has painstakingly delved into the past to discover unknown facts and old photographs, portraits and sketches.

Every penny from the sale of ‘Education And Its Patrons Through The Ages in Farnworth and Widnes’ will go towards the repair of the Cuerdley Chapel roof at St Luke’s Church.

Alan, aged 80, of Holyrood Avenue, said: “I’ve always been passionate about history.

“When I was a child at Farnworth School, I was fascinated by the funeral hatchments in the church.”

Since taking early retirement from his job as an instrument technician at Evans Medical, he has devoted his time to research.

He enthralled children on guided walks around the village, sharing intriguing secrets and turned it into a book.

This is his third publication.

Alan, a chorister for 53 years and choirmaster for 23 years, said: “I am only interested in people learning about local history.

“I’ve wanted to do this book for years.”

He traces many famous people taught in Farnworth.

Among early scholars were Richard Barnes who became Bishop of Durham in 1577 and Richard Bancroft installed as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1604.

Their stories are told alongside Professor Charles Glover Barkla who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1914 and Professor Joseph Proudman recognised as the greatest oceanographer of the 20th century.

Alan, recovering from heart surgery, said: “During the Middle Ages, secular priests combined the duties of priest and schoolmaster in chantry schools, which were usually endowed by the local landowner.

“These schools were always small because few parents felt it necessary to read or write unless their son was to prepare for a profession.”

A £1,000 grant from Birchfield, Farnworth and Halton View area forum was secured by Halton Cllr Angela McInerney for 600 limited editions.

The book, priced £4, is available from St Luke’s Church every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm, Anderson’s newsagent, Farnworth Street and GL Stylist, Derby Road.