STOURBRIDGE spiritualist minister Eric Hatton has published a new book about the history of his beloved church.

Mr Hatton, honorary president of Stourbridge Spiritualist Church and one of Spiritualism's best-known ambassadors, launched A History of Stourbridge Spiritualist Church at the Union Street church on Saturday (August 11).

He said after the launch: “It went very well; we had 85 to 90 people there and we sold over 80 books.”

The 86-year-old great-grandfather, who is the same age as his much-loved church, has spent the last few years researching the book which follows the 2010 release of his autobiography Taking Up The Challenge, about his 60-year quest to confirm the existence of an afterlife.

He said: “It’s taken me a long time to recall all the details and individuals who have passed through the doors.”

His research confirmed the Union Street building was designated as a spiritualist church in 1926 but he believes spiritualists have been meeting in Stourbridge for more than 100 years.

Coronation Street star and spiritualist Bill Roache (who plays Ken Barlow) is one of the most famous names to have visited the church - which will play host to top medium Eileen Davies on Saturday and Sunday August 25 and 26.

Priced £7.99, A History of Stourbridge Spiritualist Church is available from the church on 01384 825060 or from president Laraine Killarney on 01384 352082.