FOR a picture postcard stroll through the Rock Ferry, New Ferry and Bebington of a bygone era, you couldn't do better than invest in two books recently reprinted by Sigma Leisure of Wilmslow.

The author is the late Dave Mitchelson, who was born in Rock Ferry and lived there until his death in 1994. He was a Park Ranger for Wirral Council and a local history walks guide.

The founder member of Wirral Postcard Club, Dave amassed a vast collection of photographs and postcards - as these books 'Postcards from the Past' books testify.

The Old Bebington and Rock Ferry volumes are illustrated with a carefully planned sequence of rare black and white postcards.

Instead of the usual history book approach, you will find yourself travelling up to 100 years back in time, witnessing scenes from the lives of everyday people, with every card accompanied by an informative commentary.

Highlights are scenes from Rock Ferry's heyday as a notable seaside resort and the grandiose Jubilee Arch built next door to the Ferry Hotel in Eastham to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Sadly, this serious slab of Victoriana was decreed unsafe in 1930 and had to be demolished.

'Postcards from the Past' books are available in all good book shops at £6.95. Ring them on 01625-531035 if you have trouble finding a copy.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.