A new book extolling the delights of our pubs, restaurants, coffee houses and other attractions was launched on St. George's Day. Sue Seddon's Little Book of Lancaster includes pictures and descriptions of many of the unique places which make the city so special, offering tourists an insider's advice on where to go for anything from a well-drawn pint and perfect pie to a five course meal. It also offers a run-down of specialist retailers and other top local tips for getting the most out of a stay here. The book is a quirky guide to - and permanent record of - a city that has much to be proud of. Sue Seddon's exhaustive research, conducted, as she herself is happy to point out, from bar stools across the area, has paid off. It is obtainable from Waterstone's, J. Atkinson & Co and the City Museums.

(Words: Sue Parrish, More information - www.sueseddon.co.uk

Lancaster Castle and Priory Church have dominated the city's skyline for many centuries.The township that eventually became the city of Lancaster grew up around Roman and later Norman fortifications on a hilltop defined by the wide loop of the river Lune.

A local man who knows the area well is John Moorhouse, one of the highly knowledgeable and helpful staff at the Lancaster Visitor Information Centre, recently removed to the newly refurbished Storey Institute on Meeting House Lane. (01524 - 582394 or visit www.citycoastcountryside.co.uk ) A selection of John's superb photographs of the castle have recently been published as postcards and are now on sale at Shire Hall, local museums and visitor information centres.

We will feature more castle images through the year ...

We are delighted to announce that two of our castle precinct neighbours have become sponsorship partners for The Merchant of Venice.

Oglethorpe, Sturton & Gillibrand is a long established and much respected Lancaster legal practice. The partnership supported our interactive entertainment Richard III - On Trial For Murder so we are particularly pleased that their enthusiasm and interest in live drama in a court room setting is something they, like all our audiences, want more of.

The Merchants - 1688 is the closest licensed venue to the castle. Situated in the cellars of a former Lancaster wine merchant this intimate historic venue is the perfect port of call for a pre or post performance drink. Watch out nearer the opening for special pre-theatre meal deals for 'Merchant' ticket holders.