A BOOK which tells the life stories of a host of individuals buried in a Kates Hill churchyard, penned to raise funds to help save the church, can now be found in the House of Commons Library.

Tales From A Churchyard, was written by researcher Chris Smith, in aid of St John’s Church Preservation Group's appeal to save and restore the iconic grade II listed building.

The book, which includes some of the fascinating life stories of people commemorated in the churchyard, including the Tipton Slasher, – English boxing champion William Perry, Marion Richardson and Mary Ann Mason, the young girl murdered in a Kates Hill pub by her jealous boyfriend, has been donated to the Parliament library by Dudley North MP Ian Austin.

Ian Austin MP said: “I am delighted to be adding Chris’s book, which shows exactly why the work done by the St John’s preservation group’s work is so important. The history in the graveyard alone is worthy of Chris’s time and publication.”

“I am very proud to be taking my copy to the House of Commons and donating it to the library in Parliament.”

The book, which is priced £7.50 can be purchased from St John's Church Preservation Group stall, held each Saturday on Dudley market.

It can also be purchased by mail order by sending a cheque for £8.99 to St John’s Church Preservation Group, The Old School House, St John’s Road, Kates Hill, Dudley, DY2 7JT.

For more details, visit savestjohnschurch.zoomshare.com