A BOOK compiling forgotten maritime stories of a Cumbrian estuary from the 19th and early 20th centuries has been created.

Tales of the Duddon Sands is a collection of newspaper articles giving an insight into the fishing community in the estuary.

The articles were found by Askam-based Kevin Alexander as he was researching the history of his family, who were working fishermen.

While doing his family tree, the 38-year-old came across articles about the Duddon Sands about drownings, shipwrecks, near misses, fighting and police prosecutions.

"I wanted to portray the lives of the ordinary and fishing people who were using the sands," he said.

"The population was at the time quite big and a lot of people used to go on the beach. On shore there were a lot more boats and a healthy fishery and a lot of people in Haverigg would be fishermen and would make a living out of it, and there were a few in Askam that would make a living out of it, including my own.

"The industry is all gone now. Nobody is a full-time fisherman now. It is a bit of recognition for what was there before."

Mr Alexander said the response and feedback on the book have been positive.

He said: "Quite a lot of people are enjoying it. I have not really had any bad reviews yet.

Mr Alexander, who works as a kiln burner, said this was his first time venturing into writing a book.

He said: "It was daunting, but I got there in the end. I had two proofreaders, but it was all done and designed by me."

To purchase Tales of the Duddon Estuary, contact Kevin Alexander on Facebook, visit Millom Heritage and Arts Centre or order online on Amazon. The book is available worldwide.