A VERY clever selection of colourful address books has been introduced by Wellington publishers Halsgrove.

They have been printed under the new imprint Halswood and apart from being very useful additions to the household, they would make ideal gifts for anyone at any time of the year, whether birthdays, special days or for Christmas no matter how far away the festive season seems right now!

The Somerset Address Book follows the same useful format as the others – A to Z listings separated by two full colour photos of some of the best scenery the county has to offer. And Somerset has it all – glorious coast, peaceful countryside, majestic cities like Bath and Wells with their world-famous architecture, and villages and country towns which evoke the spirit of a timeless England.

Tony Howell is an internationally-renowned landscape photographer, based in Somerset, whose style is instantly recognizable for its simple compositions and sense of peace and stillness. Through his unrivalled collection of superb colour images, he records star-studded skies and morning mists, the changing light and friendly charm of his home county.

From the coast, with its spectacular sunsets – the golden sandy beaches of the north round to the blue sea of Minehead, ideally located with the sea on one side and the picturesque Exmoor National Park on the other – to the gentle pastures of the dairylands and the blossom of the cider orchards, the county has uplifted and inspired for generations. Tony Howell carries on the great tradition of artists who have been stimulated by the area: through his lens he captures the essential beauty and character of Somerset.

Address books tend to be well used and have a long life. Along with important contact details, they keep track of the user’s friends and acquaintances, tracing their lives over time and from place to place. And, if properly attended to, an address book eventually becomes a journal in itself, and an attractive and permanent keepsake. Whether bought as a gift or for personal use, this Somerset Address Book, with its superb pictorial reminders of the county, will provide years of pleasure and come with a durable hardback cover to protect it.

There are other westcountry address books for Cornwall, Devon, Exmoor and many other counties and regions such as the Peak District, Snowdonia, Yorkshire Dales and so on so they would make great gifts wherever your friends and relatives live.

And there are a number of specials editions covering art and railway heritage, with photos of works by artists like Michael Morgan and David Weston. The Somerset Address Book, published by Halswood Stationers, ISBN 978 0 85717 008 8, hardback, 112 pages, £12.99. Available on the Halsgrove website post free