A BOOK has been lovingly completed 26 years after the author’s death as a tribute to her work.

When Edna Pearson died in 1985 she had nearly completed her research into St Peter’s Church, in Bromyard, and now three kind souls have complied and published her work.

Phyllis Williams worked in conjunction with Dr Philip Crosskey and Jean Hopkinson to complete Two Churches - Two Communities, which also looks at Bromyard’s church registers and Stanford Bishop Church.

The completion of the work has proven to be a fitting tribute to Miss Pearson, who was a leading member of Bromyard and District Local History Society until her death.

Jennifer Weale, of the society, said the three had brought Miss Pearson’s work to fruition and it would appeal to anyone with an interest of the role of the church in their community.

“She died having not really completed the book, which is a pity. She had been working on this for some time, so it would have been a great shame if nothing had been done with it.”

She added: “She had a delightful way of writing. Sometimes one thinks the church is solemn and dreary, but she wrote about it in such a way that brings it to life.”

The book includes sections on medieval worship, the right of sanctuary, the plague, local benefactors, bells and musicians and Monday sermons.

Copies of the book are available from the Local and Family History Centre, in Sherford Street, or by calling 01885 488755.