A FORMER magazine editor is hoping to safeguard the history of a west Dorset village in her new book.

Lorna Cowan has released A Look Back at Charmouth, her first book - after discovering the village has had an interesting past.

Lorna moved to Charmouth last year after being 'charmed' by the Jurassic Coast's 'spectacular views'.

She said: "I’ve always wanted to live by the coast, and I was charmed by Charmouth.

"It’s a beautiful place to call home and I love walking along the beach and over the cliffs, where you get the most spectacular views.

"It would be a shame if the heritage and history of Charmouth was lost or forgotten, so I’ve gathered much of it together alongside old photographs and postcards. Hopefully this book will ignite memories and spark conversations."

Lorna used her background in publishing and writing to help her create the book.

"This is my first book, but I've been working in publishing for over 25 years - writing for magazines and online," she said.

"I was editor of Which? Travel magazine and before that, editor of All About Soap magazine, so I've written about lots of different places and people."

Lorna carried out research for her book by speaking to local people and joining a history society that is run in Charmouth.

She said: "I spoke to the people who have lived in Charmouth for many years and seen the changes themselves.

"Neighbours had lots of stories to share and photographs to show me. I turned up at coffee mornings in the village, ever hopeful to be introduced to another local with first-hand knowledge."

Lorna learnt that a host of interesting people visited the village - helping to form her look back at Charmouth.

"Charmouth has had many famous visitors over the years, including Charles II, Arthur Conan Doyle, Florence Nightingale and Jane Austen," said Lorna.

"Some remarkable people have lived and worked in the village too. Properties have been built, renovated, destroyed by fire and inhabited by ghosts. And the coastline has provided inspiration to artists, hiding places for smugglers and long-lasting memories for holidaymakers."

A Look Back at Charmouth is on sale now in shops in Charmouth, Lyme Regis and Bridport. It can also be ordered at carnpublishing.com/lookbackcharmouth/