THE modern world of social media is being used as a window into Northwich's past by a former resident who is keen to share his enthusiasm.

Daniel Clark, 31, is the man behind a local history blog at northwichhistory.co.uk and the Northwich history Twitter account @northwichpast.

Through the blog and Twitter feed, Daniel brings together historic images, maps and information about key parts of the town, from its hospitals, grand houses and pubs to its waterways, industrial sites and sporting activities.

"My blog doesn’t follow any particular chronological narrative, instead, it’s a place where I can document some of the interesting aspects of Northwich’s history on a case-by-case basis," Daniel said.

"The main purpose of the Twitter feed is to promote the history of the town to the widest possible audience.

"Twitter really helps to facilitate this as I have people from all age groups and all walks of life following me and engaging with my Twitter page.

"It's great to get people interested in the town's history, particularly in light of the recent positive developments in the town."

Daniel, who went to Rudheath High School and Sir John Deane's College, moved to Kent in 2006, where he lives with his wife and their two black cats.

He said that moving away from the area had only served to intensify his interest in its past.

"Moving down here has made me more interested in the history of Northwich and it's only since going away that I've gained a real desire to unpick and discover things about Northwich.

"It's quite a unique town.

"That history of mining and the popular images of crooked buildings is all something that adds to the air of intrigue about the town."

Daniel, who regularly returns to Northwich to visit family, said there are certain lost buildings that intrigue him more than others, including Marbury Hall and a pub called the Townshend Arms, or the Witch and Devil, which was destroyed by subsidence.

"I'm interested in the history of the town in general but there are certain key sites that have really fascinated me," he said.

"There are some amazing buildings that have been demolished and it's nice to be able to share images of them."

Daniel sources images from online repositories as well as posting images of his own from postcards and photographs he has collected.

He said: "Northwich has a remarkably rich and unusual history and I really believe that this is something to be shared.

"Following me on Twitter is one thing, but I really would encourage people to visit places like the Weaver Hall Museum, the Lion Salt Works, the Brunner Library and the Anderton Boat Lift, to name but a few, as they really do offer a window onto this town's past."