AUTHOR Patricia Smith will be signing copies of her book of 1953 memories today, Friday November 16, at the Harwich Guildhall.

More than 30 stories from residents stretching from Harwich to Tilbury are in the new book, which Patricia described as "heart wrenching".

“When I mentioned about writing a book people just came forward, they remembered it well and spoke clearly about what happened,” she said.

“Some of the stories were heart wrenching - a couple of them once I had written them and checked them I could carely read them again."

Patricia will give a talk on the disaster and sign copies of her book at Harwich Guildhall today, Friday November 16, from 10am until 12pm.