A RETIRED barrister who left Malawi for the UK has written a book about Bolton – a town she called home for 18 years.

Rosemary Argente has penned a history of the town she calls ‘very special’. Her book entitled Home from Home is told in photographs which also document her memories of her time in Bolton.

The 87-year-old, who now lives in Dumfries, said: “When I first moved from Malawi, I lived in Oxford for 11 years before moving to Bolton, where I had relatives. I like the town very much, the people of Bolton are very friendly.

“In the book I write about the history of the town.

“I write about the market where I could buy exotic fruit which reminded me of Malawi.”

The book is the latest written by Mrs Argente, who in 2008 wrote Always With You — A Malawi Legacy telling the story of her homeland.

Mrs Argente said: “I arrived in Bolton in 1998 and stayed until 2014.

“I believe the book will appeal to the people who live in or are connected with Bolton, but so far I have received requests for the book from people who live elsewhere but know me.”

Mrs Argente moved to the UK at the age of 50 and lived in the Tonge Moor area. Her book traces the history of the town she came to call home to 1251, when Flemish weavers settled.

She talks about historical figures including Samuel Crompton and William Lever as well as the historic halls and places of interest in the area.

The book is available from Bolton CVS at The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, Bolton, price £3.