MEMORIES and stories of a Lake District legend have been preserved in a new book.

'Encounters with Wainwright' gives fans of the famous fell walker and writer an insight into the experiences of those who knew and met him.

The book, which was compiled in association with The Wainwright Society, is a product of years of interviews and careful research, and provides access to previously unheard tales told by those who knew him best.

David Johnson, who edits The Wainwright Society's magazine 'Footsteps', edited the book and sourced many of the contributors.

"About five years ago, 20 years after Wainwright died, a few society members thought that there may be people who had known him but never recorded their memories of him," he said.

"This inspired us to start this project where we would find people who had known or even just met him. The idea was to record these first hand experiences so they weren't lost over time.

"We wanted to build up a picture of who he was, because he is often thought to have been a rather grumpy old man and that isn't quite fair."

Mr Johnson, who is retired and lives in Histon, near Cambridge, originally planned for the project to lead to a series of articles in 'Footsteps.' But the sheer volume of stories that he came across led to the project being turned into a book.

Along with his wife Janet, Mr Johnson dedicated most of his time over the past five years to assembling the volume.

"I have always been a lover of the Lake District and I have been walking there for most of the last 50 years," he said. "I discovered Wainwright's guides and have been involved with the society since then.

"I am glad to have finished the book, it's been a rollercoaster ride. It's been quite pressured and has taken up a large amount of time. My wife has been very supportive!"

Mr Johnson, 68, now plans to continue to edit 'Footsteps', as well as to spend time with his grandchildren.

He is however still on the lookout for any first hand experiences of Wainwright; the stories may be published in 'Footsteps' or, if there is enough, another book-sized volume.

Information on how to order the book is available on The Wainwright Society website. All profits from the book are being donated to Animal Rescue Cumbria; a charity Alfred Wainwright and his wife Betty passionately supported.