Dudley North MP Ian Austin will launch local historian Chris Smiths new book on the story of St John’s graveyard at 1pm on Saturday 6 February at St John’s Church preservation group’s market stall.

Austin, who is volunteering on the market stall, will officially launch ‘Tales From A Churchyard’ which includes stories about the famous people buried at the church including the Tipton Slasher.

The book also chronicles the lives of Mary Ann Mason a young girl who was murdered in a Kates Hill pub by her jealous boyfriend, and Marion Richardson whose work change the way that handwriting and art is taught across the world.

All profits from the book are being donated to the Preservation group who are trying to raise £36,000 to complete the first stage of redeveloping the church.

Austin will buy a copy of the book which he will donate to the library at the House of Commons.

Ian Austin MP said:

“I am delighted to be launching Chris’s new 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.”

“I want local people to come and see us on the stall and show their support.  St John’s Church represents a very important part of Dudley’s heritage and landscape.  It is one of the most prominent buildings in our town and one of the first sights people see when visiting Dudley, it’s a beautiful building and embodies the local history I am for one as so proud of.”