A NEW sightseeing guide to the M5 motorway has been launched, featuring all sorts of interesting facts about the Wellington area.

The M5 Sights Guide tells you everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask about the buildings and landmarks that motorists whiz past at 70mph.

And it also features potted histories of the places along the route and anecdotes about the people who live there.

Among the local sites picked out for mention are West Buckland's parish church of St Mary the Virgin, Middle Green Farm, Breach Hill Cottages and, of course, Wellington Monument.

While not recommended for use by drivers who need to concentrate on the road, the treasure trove of information is ideal for curious passengers.

Written by Mike Jackson and Kristina Thimm, with a foreword by Michael Aspel, The M5 Sights Guide is published by Severnpix and can be ordered through bookshops or via the website: www.severnpix.co.uk