WHEN Lenna Bickerton's book Memories of a Cheshire Childhood was published in a 1996 it quickly became Hartford-based Leonie Press's best-seller.

Wherever she went readers would thank Lenna for describing so vividly a world which has vanished for ever.

Though devastated by widowhood, Lenna decided to write another book covering her life during the Depression and early war years.

Sadly Lenna, of East Avenue, Rudheath, died in November 1999 before she was able to finish the book.

But her daughter June Hall completed the final chapter and We'll Gather Lilacs was launched last week.

It is a testimony to the enduring love affair between Lenna and her husband Jim, who she met when she was just 14, as well as a fascinating description of Cheshire in the 1930s and 40s. It also includes 12 pages of photos chronicling her life.

We'll Gather Lilacs is available at local bookshops costing £5.99.