Roy Palmer's latest book, Herefordshire Folklore, has much to interest people who live in the shadow of the Malvern Hills.

The book contains much information that originally appeared in the author's Folklore of Hereford and Worcester, printed in 1992.

But as Mr Palmer, of Malvern, says: "It's amazing how much folklore continues to come to light."

There is a great deal of fresh material, including a reference to the 13 ghosts said to haunt Eastnor Castle.Superstition is almost brought up to date with an account of the chain letters from Venezuela that bedevilled Ledbury people in 1991, by promising death and disaster to those who did not follow its instructions.

But Mr Palmer's greatest strength lies in the way in which he can hint at older realities, close to the surface of the everyday, at least where the landscapes are still rural. The account of the area's Glastonbury Thorns is here, as are tales of fairies, ghosts and demons.

The book is available at £12.95 from The Logaston Press).

Gary Bills-Geddes