A LIMITED edition print run of a beautiful book about the Isle of Wight has proved a huge success — with fewer than 50 books still available.

An Island Legacy, the Isle of Wight Through the Eyes of the Brannon Family, by local author Kenneth Hicks, is based on more than 120 original engravings of the Island by George, Alfred and Philip Brannon, covering nearly every major scene and landmarks of the Island.

These are contrasted with modern coloured photographs from land, sea and air of the same scenes today, providing a unique record of Island history from 1817 to 2017.

The book, supported by the Isle of Wight County Press, was published in 2017.

It was anticipated that it would take four to five years to sell the complete edition of 1,000 copies, but due to excellent reviews, more than 900 have already been sold to places as far away as Australia, New Zealand, India and Sweden.

Order have also come from Isle of Wight County in Virginia, for copies placed in each of the county's schools and libraries.

Author Mr Hicks, who was awarded the MBE, is president of the IW branch of the Historical Association.

An Island Legacy is only available in a limited, signed edition. There will not be a second printing.

The book is priced at £45.

Mr Hicks is delighted to have donated £10,000 from the sales to the charity, Mountbatten, and towards bursaries for Island students of history at university.

An additional amount exceeding £2,000 will be given to Mountbatten when the last few copies are sold.

The last few copies of the book are available from the County Press office, Pyle Street, Newport or from Mountbatten on 01983 217300.