A GROUP of people from Great Ayton have paid homage to a famous landmark by producing a book in partnership with renowned photographer Joe Cornish.

Roseberry Topping, by Great Ayton Community Archaeology Project, is a 206-page volume charting the geology, landscape, history and heritage of the distinctively-shaped hill from prehistoric times to the present day.

Over the past two years, all 26 members of the archaeology group have contributed to the research and writing of the book, which was launched on Thursday.

"It is unique in that it has never been done before and it is unique in that everybody involved comes from Great Ayton," said Ken Taylor, in charge of marketing and publicity.

Mr Cornish, who lives in Great Ayton, said he had thought about doing such a book for the past four or five years but the idea was put on the back burner owing to other commitments.

Then, about 18 months ago, he was asked by a member of the archaeology group if he would contribute some photographs to the work.

But instead of contributing, Mr Cornish decided he wanted to be more involved, with half the book made up of his photographs.

"I first saw Roseberry Topping when I was visiting North Yorkshire with my long-term partner, Jenny, who is from this area," he said. "We came up visiting her mum and I was instantly smitten by it."

Mr Cornish said he has hundreds, if not thousands, of photographs of Roseberry Topping and described it as "a fixation".

Fascinated by both its shape and position in the landscape, he said it offered an almost infinite variety of photographic possibilities.

"I have really learned a lot about my job as a landscape photographer from Roseberry Topping," said Mr Cornish. "It is like visual exercise. There is an amazing variety in such a small area and it is only a small walking distance from home."

David Taylor, a retired geology lecturer and a contributor to the book, said: "There are so many things that have come to light that we didn't really have any idea about and so many people have done research in different fields."

The book's editor, Ian Pearce, said: "We have enjoyed writing it."

The group would like to thank Kevin Cale for his assistance and all those who contributed to the book, including Joni Essex, who tied the operation together.