IF a picture paints a thousand words, then a new book by local author Irena Morgan could almost be considered a veritable library.

Abergavenny Through Time is a book with photos - and lots of them. Which is quite handy because the book's ambition is to trace some of the many ways Abergavenny has changed and developed over the last century, and what better way to do that than through the lens of a camera?

If you think you know the 'Gateway to Wales, Morgan's book may make you think again. By contrasting old pictures with the corresponding scene today, Abergavenny Through Time, hammers home the dramatic impact, for better or worse, that the ticking of the clock has on any environment which people inhabit day in and day out, and one which seems so familiar and permanent but in actuality is in a state of perpetual change.

For example, Bailey Park swimming pool is now a patch of grass, littered liberally with dog excrement, beer cans, and the occasional shopping trolley.

The slums of Tudor Street are no more, and in there place stands a Job Centre, Police Station and Magistrates Court.

And where once there was a railway track for 'Iron Horses' to steam down, there is now a link lane between Merthyr and Brecon Road.

The book's author, Irena Morgan is a retired journalist and former chair of Abergavenny Local History Society.

During her time as Chair, she was instrumental in creating the Children's Plaques and Standing Stones trail in the town centre, and brought to completion the society's DVD, the Abergavenny Story.

She has previously written a book, Abergavenny Past and Present, and is currently secretary of The Friends of Gardd-y-Bryn, a project to restore an historic walled garden at the former Coleg Gwent campus in Abergavenny.

Bursting at the seams with before and after photos that will haunt even the most casual reader with the stark and unforgiving fact that one day you wake up, blink your eyes and before you know it, everything has changed beyond all recognition, Abergavenny Through Time will be of interest anyone with an inquisitiveness about Abergavenny's past, present, or future.

Abergavenny Through Time by Irena Morgan is available now from all good bookshops priced £14.99.