A SUPERB booklet - containing many pictures from vanished times, special anecdotes and advice on ‘recommended reads’ - has been published by the St Helens Heritage Network.

There are glimpses of the old steam loco scene, of ancient cars and their riders, of coach and charabanc outings. Shots, too, of our lost landmark places.

Plus the tale of Jonah, the 70-ton blue whale which visited St Helens on its long tour of the United Kingdom.

The creature was spotted by St Helens folk in the 1950s, where the multi-storey car park now stands, near the Tesco supermarket. Others saw it in the 1960s around Birchley Street car park.

The 65ft whale spent an incredible 20-year voyage.

Captured off Norway in 1952, the monster exhibit was preserved and toured Denmark, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, Holland and the United Kingdom.

His great voyage ended some time in the 1970s. And the booklet adds that after this time “his exact fate is unknown.”

Edited by Chris Coffey, the network secretary, this 28-page booklet has fascinating tales spelled out by, among others, the Home and Daycare Library customers.

It’s certainly worth a read.