A HEREFORDSHIRE author's latest book digs beneath the surface to discover the lesser-known history of Hereford.

Secret Hereford, by local author David Phelps, delves deep into the history of the city, which began with the establishment of the Saxon St Guthlac's Monastery on the site of what is now Castle Green, to reveal dark deeds and strange tales with long-forgotten facts and amusing stories, lifting the lid on hidden secrets that even most local people don't know.

Inspired to discover Herefordshire's rich folklore after he retired, Secret Hereford is the fifth book from the former Civil Servant, who is also the author of Herefordshire Folk Tales, Haunted Hereford, The Bloody History of Hereford and Worcestershire Folk Tales.

Secret Hereford, priced at £14.99, is available from www.amberley-books.com.