'The town is unrecognisable': Historian launches book into past of West Bromwich
A fascinating book on West Bromwich's history has been launched by its author.
Historian Terry Price sold more than 1,000 copies at Wesley Methodist Church on West Bromwich High Street on Saturday.
The book features rare black and white photographs that were handed in by the public.
Some date back 100 years and show a bygone era when the town looked very different.
Mr Price, aged 80, said: "West Bromwich has changed out of all proportion.
"A lot of of the youngster generation don't know what it used to be like.
"You had the Golden Mile (a mile of shops) on the main High Street.
"A lot of old buildings have gone.
"It is nothing like how West Bromwich used to be. It is sad to think now.
"The idea of the book is to preserve those memories, and for readers from older generations, it will provide a reminder as to those bygone years."
The book, called West Bromwich Reminiscences, took Mr Price around 12 months to put together.
He used public appeals in the Express & Star to source old photographs.
Some members of the public generously contacted Mr Price and provided him with old family photographs.
From there, Mr Price researched the background into each photograph.
A blurb on his book says: "Journey through the pages of this book and you will discover a nostalgic visual account of community life during the last century."
Now at the age of 80, he has promised himself this will be the last book that he produces.
Mr Price is well-known in West Bromwich as being a first-class historian.
Most of the books have since been sold, however Mr Price can be contacted on his home telephone number for copies. To order, call 01922635891.
