AT one time during the first half of the last century, the village of Ravenstonedale had a thriving self-contained village economy.

There were at least three grocery shops or general stores together with a butcher, a cobbler, a tailor and dressmaker.

A Post Office and a number of banks also served the village on a one day a week basis and there was also a joiner's shop and a blacksmith's forge.

Today all that has disappeared, but it will not be forgotten because of the dedicated research of village author John Cope, who has written a guide called "Ravenstonedale Shops in the Twentieth Century."

Mr Cope, 75, who is a regular visitor to the History Open Days about the village, said: "The typical village shop is remembered with affection by some of the residents.

The older ones can also recall the smaller establishments, often sited in the front room of a cottage, where a limited range of goods was sold to neighbours."

There are now no shops open in Ravenstonedale, the sole remaining post office served its last customer in 1999.

"It's hard to believe that the village was once able to sustain so many retailers," said Mr Cope.

"The change from the start of one century to the next has been quite dramatic."

Mr Cope moved to Ravenstonedale with his wife Olwyn in the summer of 1993.

Originally from the Midlands, Mr Cope worked for the Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery where he was in charge of the photographic department.

Mr Cope's book is priced at £2.00 (£3.50 by post) and can be obtained from the Book House, Ravenstonedale, CA17 4NQ and other local outlets.