A BOLTON man is planning to tell the full story behind one of the North-west's worst ever air disaster with a new book on the Winter Hill crash of 1958.

At 25, Deane resident Paul Lomax has no personal recollections of the crash that rocked Bolton 42 years ago and claimed the lives 35 people.

But in recent months he has learned as much about the air disaster as there is to know.

The former Smithills High School pupil says his factual research into the tragedy has gone as far as it can. He has been in contact with bodies such as the Civil Aviation Authority and has attained flight logs and reports on the progress of the doomed Bristol 170 Freighter as it crossed the water from Ronaldsway on the Isle of Man heading for Manchester Airport.

He has even managed to collect pieces of the actual wreckage from the Silver City-owned aircraft.

Now Paul is hoping to add to his wealth of knowledge about the crash by speaking to some of the original eye witnesses and survivors.

"I have always been interested in the crash after hearing tales about it since I was a child," Paul said. "It is the worst air disaster the town has ever seen but nothing has ever been written about it."

He added: "Having looked into it so far it is a story that needs to be told." An appeal through the BEN for eye witnesses to come forward has already borne fruit for Paul and his Ellesmere Street home has been inundated with phone calls.

"Already the response has proved phenomenal," he said. "I have already spoken to the two ambulance men and the police officer who were first on the scene.

"Some of these people have not spoken about the crash since it happened and what they told me left me it tears."

Paul, who works at his father's shop Overlord Militaria on Tonge Moor Road, says speaking to some of the survivors would be the "icing of the cake" - particularly stewardess Jennifer Cortiss who he only knows is resident in the UK. "If all goes according to plan I hope to have the book completed early next year," he said. "I have not chosen a title yet and have not approached a publisher but if there are any small publishers in Bolton who are interested I would love to hear from them."

If you can help Paul with his research you can contact him on 01204 528458.