A BOOK that takes an in-depth look at Ludgershall’s history has been republished after being well received by an Oscar-winning Hollywood superstar.

Winifred Dixon’s scholarly ‘A History of Ludgershall’ had been out of print for some time but is now available for the first time in paperback – Waterstone’s in Andover are stocking it.

In recent years it has become a much thumbed reference for those seeking to flesh out details of their family history.

One of those was actress Susan Sarandon, star of Thelma and Louise, who came to the village in 2006 to look at the parish registers and met Mrs Dixon who presented her with a copy of the book.

Ludgershall is one of only a handful of parishes in Wiltshire to retain its registers as most have now been given over to the county records office in Chippenham.

But the decision to retain the registers means that people actually have to visit Ludgershall if they want to look in the registers, which can date back to the reign of Henry VIII.

“The reprint means that I will again be able to supply people who call and want to trace their ancestry,” said Mrs Dixon.

“Australia was a popular destination for emigrants as a lot went there in the agricultural depression.

“I was able to find a copy of the book for Susan Sarandon to take home to America – I remember she was a very charming person.”

The reprint will also raise funds for Ludgershall’s grade 1 listed ancient parish church of St James.