A walk through the history of Essex is promised by a new book published this month.

Walking with our Heritage in Essex, details 10 walks across the county, each with an historical perspective.

The book reflects the twin passions of author George Hassan, who lives in Ford End.

A retired lecturer in engineering at Anglia Polytechnic University, George says he discovered walking in his retirement as "an ideal way of experiencing fresh scenery, without having to travel too far."

As he walked he began asking questions and picking up facts, stories and legends about the sometimes ancient footpaths he took.

"I began to get interested in local history and all the little tales and legends that surround places," George said.

George's interest led him to spend 18 months researching the history and legends attached to his favourite walks."

The result is a book packed with fascinating anecdotes and observation, backed up with clear maps and delightful illustrations by local artists Jimmy Johns, John Johnson, Margaret Pedlar and Peter Vincett.

Many of the 10 walks contain a walk within a walk, to suit various ages and abilities, George, explained.

All have been walked at least three times, by George alone and by the Waltham Wanderers.

Details to look out for along the way include the medieval Grymme Aubery carving in the parish church at Castle Hedingham, Dick Nunn's Bridge at Coggeshall -- built by local blacksmith and people's rights champion Dick Nunn in the last century and the Leper Stone deposited at Newport during the Ice Age.

George Hassan is modest about his achievement.

He said: "I'm pleased with the book. It's a walk through history if you like. Each walk has got some historical background and I've tried to link these old paths with history, so you can feel that you are actually walking in the footsteps of historical characters. It contains the sort of little details that I find interesting."

Walking with our Heritage in Essex is available direct from the author, priced £9.95, by writing to Orchard House, Main Road, Ford End, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 1LL. Postage and packing free

Doctor's Pond, Great Dunmow, a watercolour by Margaret Pedlar.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.