AN AUTHOR is piecing together a history of war-torn Reading for his new book.

Dave Bilton, from Earley, has started research for, 'Reading In The Great War', which will focus on life in the town during the First World War.

He is appealing for anyone with links to the town from 1914-1918 or anyone related to those who fought in the war, to get in touch with photos, letters or any information they might have.

He said: "My publishers want me to focus on Reading, after all it was the county town and everything revolved around it."

The new book will shed light on everything from social aspects to crime and health in Reading, as well as stretching to the surrounding areas of Newbury and Wokingham.

Mr Bilton said: "It is a very broad title because I want it to appeal to everyone."

Having started researching for the book two weeks ago, Mr Bilton has already uncovered some interesting insights into life in 20th century Reading.

He said: "The number of Germans that lived in the town was phenomenal - it was around 50 - which was a lot at the time.

"The rest of the community were always suspicious of them and blaming them for things they didn't actually do."

Mr Bilton, 60, has already written a number of history books including The Trench, focusing on the 10th Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment, the Hull Pals, which featured in a four-part BBC2 programme in 2002.

Working under a tight deadline he is hoping his latest book will be published by the summer of 2014 to coincide with the First World War centenary.

Mr Bilton, a retired science teacher, joked: "History has been my way of 'recuperating' - it has always been a major hobby."

Anyone with information or memories should email alangley@berksmedia.co.uk