Jack Blankley – affectionately known as the 'Stick and Umbrella man' because he always carried a walking stick with a telescopic umbrella clipped to it – wrote a book recording anecdotes of village life until his death from a heart attack in 1985.

From instructions on how to play now-forgotten childhood games, to stories about memorable characters who lived in the village, the social history of Poolsbrook is all retold in Jack's inimitable style.

And now, after a friend persuaded her that people would be interested to read his tales, his daughter Doreen Hydes has had his book – The Birth, Life and Death of a Village – published in tribute to her dad.

Doreen (68), of Bradwell Place, Inkersall, said: "The book, as its title suggests, covers a lifetime both for the village and for dad. He was born into the village when the houses were newly built and he was still there – although not in the same house – until those same houses were demolished."

She added: "Dad was a personality. He loved meeting people. He would invite anybody back home and mother never knew who was turning up next, but everyone was welcome!

"Despite his quite bad health he always had a smile on his face and wanted to live life to the full."

Copies of the book cost £2.50 (£3 including p+p) and are available by calling Doreen Hydes on (01246) 472375.

All proceeds from its sale will be donated to Ashgate Hospice.