A COLLECTION of stories surrounding a forgotten hamlet in Ryedale have been brought together in a new book.

Twixt Corn and Bricks looks at the history of Kirby Mills, meeting residents of both yesterday and today, hearing their memories and adventures.

The book, which has been complied by Ann Wilson, a member of Kirkbymoorside History Group, covers the travelling community who settled there in the 1800s, up to the modern day and the business park which continues to provide employment, albeit in more up-to-date industries.

Louise Mudd, from the group, said the book had taken nearly two years to put together.

"The book includes some fascinating histories relating to the travelling families who settled in this hamlet as far back as the 1820s," she said.

"Ann has also included a study of the local school registers which highlighted the number of children living and being cared for by family and relatives. Travelling families often moved around as work and fairs dictated and this was clear to see in the pattern of attendance of the children."

Information on the old gas works, the brick works and the memories of residents who were brought up in Kirby Mills is also included. John Dean and his wife have also written a chapter for the book on the Ardens and the years they spent at Mill Cottage.

Louise said: "For some reason Kirby Mills hasn't really been researched or even photographed and when the railways came in the 1870s it was split in two by the track and a large embankment.

"Even today the boundaries between Kirby Mills and Keldholme are rather blurred and, of course, the spelling of the hamlet's name is open to debate. One K or two."

The book concludes with a look at the current industrial estate which is home to a host of new and traditional businesses.

"There is the bigger employers such as Rack Systems which has expanded and grown over the years it has been on site, as well as the smaller firms such as the garages, tiling and joiners," she said.

"We have had a fantastic response to the many appeals for assistance and so many photos have been coming in, it has been a challenge to fit them all in. What began as a small project has grown to fill a book."

Twixt Corn and Bricks is priced £10 and available from members of Kirkbymoorside History Group. For more information, go to kmshistory.btck.co.uk