A book about the history of Blackheath and Rowley Regis has been launched by two Halesowen residents by popular demand.

Roy and Janice Slim (pictured left) of Hayley Park Road, have been collecting old photos and information about the area since 1975 and have decided to piece it all together for others to enjoy.

From Hay Stacks to Chimney Stacks - Blackheath, Rowley Regis and Surrounding Areas was officially launched in Blackheath and Roy said they had an "unbelievable reaction" to the book.

The 67-year-old said: "Every other person who came through the door all seemed to know each other, it was like a party, it was one big celebration of the area's history."

The great-grandparents, who are in the antiques trade, have been searching far and wide for material for their book and have found pictures and postcards of the area as far afield as Norfolk.

The book, which features a new collection of pictures focuses on the industrial, social, agricultural and educational history of the area.

Roy said: "Lots of people tend to think the Black Country is a heavy industrial, smoky place, but in fact some parts were sparsely populated with open spaces. Blackheath used to be just a crossroads - with four farms and a pub."

The book also includes many personal photos from the couple's collection and a brief history of the Slim family.

The £16.95 book has already been a hit in and around the Blackheath area and Roy has even been asked to send copies to Preston, with interest arising from people in America who are tracing their family history.

Both Roy and Janice will be at Blackheath Library in Carnegie Road this Saturday (May 26) selling and signing copies of their book from 10am until noon.

The book can also be purchased from Blackheath market, The Black Country Bugle offices in Cradley Heath and Books Unlimited in Stourbridge.