TOM Newton is arguably one of Westhoughton’s best known and much loved sons.

A new book showing historical scenes of Westhoughton was conceived by the late Pam Clarke who was a founder member and inaugural president of Westhoughton Local History Group.

The splendid booklet is published in her memory and will prove popular with Westhoughton residents and anyone with an interest in local history in the Bolton area.

There are 37 water colour paintings produced by Tom and reproduced in the book.

Tom was born at 16 Albion Street in Wingates in 1935 living his entire life in Westhoughton.

He was educated at Sacred Heart RC School and left at the tender age of 15.

He had experience of working in local mills and coal mines before his National Service began in 1956.

Tom was posted to the Army Catering Corps where he worked as a cook and although he aspired to see the World instead he got no further than Aldershot, Catterick and Otterburn camps.

After de-mob Tom worked briefly for Heinz before spending three decades at the Lostock factory of De Havilland which later became Hawker Siddeley then British Aerospace.

He worked on propeller manufacture.

After he took early retirement from BA Tom completed his working career with a five-year period as a caretaker at St Joseph’s School in Chorley New Road, Horwich.

To obtain a copy of the book ring 01204 696984.