FRIENDSHIPS forged between Lancashire people and German prisoners of war is the subject of a new book which has just been launched in the North West.

"Enemies Become Friends" is the title of the book by author Pamela Howe Taylor, who used to live in the county before moving to Devon five years ago.

Mrs Taylor said that it was shortly after World War Two that local people welcomed the prisoners into their homes and built friendships, some of which still exist today.

Using material left by her late father, the Rev Joseph H Howe - who was a former Methodist minister in Harwood before moving to the Blackburn area - further research and memories from local people and former German prisoners, Mrs Howe has spent eight years working on what is her first "real" book.

"It was in 1946 when restrictions were lifted and German prisoners were allowed to enter private homes for the first time.

"A lot of local people, mainly Methodists and Roman Catholics, started inviting them to their homes and great friendships were formed. Some people are still in touch today," added Mrs Taylor, who was in the area last week to launch her book while she was staying with relatives in Vauze Avenue, Blackrod.

The book, which was featured on BBC television's North West Tonight, is on sale at local book shops and Oswaldtwistle Visitors' Centre.

Mrs Taylor would be pleased to hear from anyone who has further memories of friendships made with German prisoners of war, around 50 years ago. She can be contacted by telephone and Fax on 01404 44047.

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