IN 1958 Captain George Pitt-Rivers decided to sell the West Dorset section of his estate, which included the greater part of Burton Bradstock and east of the river at West Bay.

A new book, Two Days One Summer, is an account of life in Burton Bradstock before the sale in 1958 and the happenings that followed, which changed the village forever.

Many people who are new to the area or of the younger generation, are unaware of the upheaval that occurred when this sale took place.

Research has shown that the sale had more effect on the community and the village in general, than could ever be imagined.

In 1958 author Elizabeth Buckler Gale was a young woman setting out in life and the sale of the Burton Bradstock Estate had a profound effect on her future, as it did on everyone caught up in the changes that ensued.

Through extensive research including the study of census returns and parish registers and through the recollection of her own memories regarding the sale and those of numerous others, Mrs Buckler Gale, now a local historian, uncovers the fascinating story behind this sale.

Two Days One Summer is also crammed full of wonderfully nostalgic black and white photographs of the people of Burton Bradstock, of the village as it then was and even images of the sale itself.

The book then covers the days and years following the sale, bringing us right up to date.

Mrs Buckler Gale said: "From the time of the sale to the present day much water has gone under the bridge. The waters were often rough and muddied but finally seem to have settled and cleared as Burton presents its new face".

Two Days One Summer is the sequel to Elizabeth Buckler Gale's earlier book about Burton Bradstock, 'Farmers, Fishermen and Flax Spinners' and is 'written from the heart'.

To co-incide with the publication of her new book Mrs Buckler Gale will be holding an open day and book signing at the Reading Rooms, Burton Bradstock on Thursday, September 27.

From 10am-4pm and again from 6pm-8pm you can meet the author and there will be an exhibition of photographs and maps and the index of 925 mainly local names on view. Light refreshments will also be served.

The Book Shop in South Street, Bridport are also hosting a book signing on Saturday, September 29, from 10am to noon.