DEVONSHIRE Dock Hall has been an imposing fixture of the Barrow landscape for more than 30 years.

And now a new book charts the history of the 167ft building at the shipyard, showing the famous faces who have visited since it opened in 1986.

Compiled by Darren Gardner and photographer Mike Vallance, the book, called Devonshire Dock Hall, features stories from shipyard workers and photos displaying how it has changed since building started in 1984.

Mr Gardner, who works at BAE himself, has written 66 books mostly focusing on Barrow AFC but has turned his attention to his place of work for the first time.

He said: "I wanted to look at Devonshire Dock Hall because it such an important part of the town and its shipbuilding history.

"Without it Barrow would be a completely different place.

"I started working at the shipyard in 1984 and every day I saw the hall was coming along.

"I wanted to look back on those memories with this book."

The book features an oral history of the building by people have worked there since it was built.

"There are so many interesting stories to read about in the book," Mr Gardner said.

Mike Beauman, who started as an apprentice painter in 1977 says in the book: "I think it would have been early 1986 when we were allowed to have a sneak preview of the DDH, and believe me looking inside for the first time.

"Looking onto hall floor was an unbelievable sight.

"We were looking down at what was to become the future of shipbuilding in our shipyard."

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher opened Devonshire Dock Hall in 1986.

Another notable celebrity visitors include Mick Hucknall, Heather Small and Princess Diana.

All the proceeds from the book will go to three charities selected by Mr Gardner: the Furness General Hospital oncology department, Duddon Inshore Rescue and St Mary's Hospice.

It is available to buy from the Dock Museum.