TO compile a comprehensive history of the best town in Britain since its establishment as an urban entity more than 2,000 years ago is a daunting task but it has clearly been one that writer and researcher Alan Crosby took on with enthusiasm.

Alan admits in his foreword to The History of Warrington that he has achieved the aim of compiling an "accessible, informative and attractive" single volume that was envisaged at the start of the project "to provide an overview" of the town's development.Accordingly, each chapter contains lots of references for the reader to continue their individual investigations.

Alan takes the reader back to the Neolithic period, something like 6,000 years in describing the arrival of the first human beings in the Mersey Valley.

The eminent archaeologist Tim Strickland has speculated about the possibility of a Roman fort at Latchford - and James Balme, of course, is currently excavating to find a "fortlet" at Warburton.

From Roman times, the reader is sped along to the medieval period and, with as little "technical speak" as possible, Alan is able to explain how life was lived in those times.

The book comes into its own covering the past 500 years, during which the township has seen most of its advancement.

It is here where the reader can appreciate how the town has evolved into its present state - yet still remaining "at the crossroads", as it has always been.

It would be churlish to pick up on the odd error here and there (blame the proof reader, Alan!), and as I mentioned at the start this book is "an overview."

But perhaps a mention of Walking Day, one of Britain's largest annual religious celebrations, wouldn't have come amiss - and there is precious little about the heroes who lit up Wilderspool during the past century or the councillors and aldermen of yesteryear who also helped to make our town great.A History of Warrington by Alan Crosby is published in softback by Phillimore and Co of Shopwyke Manor Barn, Chichester, West Sussex at £16.99.