A GROUP of four Kilve parishioners have pooled their skills to produce the Kilve Millennium Book to mark beginning of the next 1,000 years.

The book, which was first conceived in 1998, is a record of the parish, its buildings and its activities at the end of the millennium.

The aim of the unique project was to capture a "village snapshot" of both the physical appearance and social infrastructure such as local clubs, businesses and services in Kilve.

The idea was granted a Millennium Award in 1999 from Help the Aged which enabled Olaf Chedzoy, John MacCormack, Ken Levoir and Kevin Rogers to fulfil the vision.

The group originally planned to produce one conventional photographic record, but digital technology opened up new techniques.

The final record is 88 advanced page layouts and collages with 215 photographs covering different aspects of the village.

The quickness of using computer and printing methods has meant that three copies of the full record have been produced and professionally bound.

One copy will be on view in the parish, one will go to the parish council and the other to the Somerset Records Office.

"The use of the computer software has enabled the production of the book in miniaturised form," said Mr Chedzoy.

"All the print can be read and the photographs appreciated, although made easier by the use of a magnifying glass."

Mr Chedzoy said a miniature souvenir version had been produced with a copy specially identified for each property.

"While each village record of 1999 is not unique as a project, we believe that the standards which we have achieved will be amongst the highest in the country, especially considering that the grant was just £1,382," he said.

The book was unveiled at the village hall on Saturday with a short formal ceremony. Pictured from the left are Sheila Sharp (Somerset Records Office), Thomas Donovan, Ray Hancock (chairman of Kilve Parish Council), Maureen Robins and Steve Farmer (representing Kilve village).