LYME REGIS: The lesser known parts of the town have been revealed in a new book published by a local author.

The new book, entitled Lesser Known Lyme Regis, delves into a side of Lyme many people may not know with commentary from local people and six easy-to-follow guided walks with maps.

Author Joanna Smith has lived in Lyme Regis for seven years and runs the Black Dog Writing Group.

She spent a total of two years researching the book and getting the information needed for the book together.

Joanna told The News: “So much has been written about the town’s history, literary links, walking trails and fossils, but I wanted to write a comprehensive guide that brings all these facets of the town together – that was the idea.

“For the book, I also spoke to more than 40 local people including the popular stone balancer Adrian Gray, geologist at Lyme Regis Museum Paddy Howe, Lyme Aquarium owner Max Gollop and a relative of Jane Austin, 93-year-old Diana Sherbington.

“Interviews with others including fishermen, artists, fossil hunters, historians and wreck divers all gave a real insight into contemporary Lyme and helped to explain why it’s such a vibrant place.

“There are also walking tours mentioned in the book which include a walk along the historic Cobb and a walk exploring the mills of Lyme Regis along the river.

“The good thing about the book is that it also includes comprehensive and up-to-date walking maps, which make the walks very easy for people to follow and discover themselves.

“Thank you to everyone who spoke to me about living in Lyme for the book and helped me discover the history of the town, particularly those at the Lyme Regis Museum.”

The new book is part of a series which includes two other books, Lesser Known Weymouth and Lesser Known Swanage, published by Roving Press.

Lesser Known Lyme is now available in local outlets in the town, including the Lyme Tourist Information Centre, and direct from Roving Press publishers.