The women, who are lifelong members of St Bartholomew's Church in the centre of the village, have been heavily involved in the church's flower festival, not to mention the annual Rushbearing event.

Although they enjoyed both, they don't mind admitting they are glad to get the two events out of the way to concentrate on something much closer to their hearts – a cookery book that has been two years in the making.

If you were thinking Divine Delicacies was just another church cookbook, think again. The two women have involved just about everyone from the Ryburn Valley in their masterpiece, ranging from local restaurants and pubs to farm shops, a school and a post office.

Businesses and individuals have shared their favourite recipes and stories to raise money for their parish church restoration fund which was set up a few years ago.

The church needs a new roof and the entire village is hoping proceeds from the book will run into four figures.

It has certainly got off to a good start. Only 10 days after the book was launched at church, the first print of 250 copies sold out and a second batch is doing the rounds.

"The sky's the limit really. If the demand is there we can keep on printing copies," says Pam, who is retired and lives in Stony Lane, Ripponden.

The book was Dilys's idea. Dilys, a keen cook who lives in Halifax Road, Ripponden, used to do a recipe page with another church member, Jean Jones, in the parish magazine, Ryburn Link, for 12 years. The feature was called Divine Delicacies.

"It seemed a logical conclusion to compile a cookery book using some of these recipes as the core. Pam came in to edit the book and give it a little extra in the form of local historical facts, food quotes, social comments and pictures and sketches. Other church members have helped, and local businesses have been incredibly supportive.

It has been a team effort from start to finish and really brought residents from the valley together," says Dilys.

The two women say they have been lucky because the valley is home to some of the best restaurants and food pubs in Calderdale and chefs have been prepared to share their favourite recipes.

They include olive and stilton pate with pickled pears from Lindsay at The Old Bridge; paella, syrian lentils with chickpeas, and baby spinach and pine kernel salad from Simon Shaw at El Gato Negro; chicken kapama from Barbara at Villa Margherita; and orange and raspberry brulees from Sue Tyer at The Green Door. Caroline Dexter from Pike End Farm, Rishworth, has included Pike End Farm pot roast silverside beef with juniper, and the Far Barsey Farm Shop at Barkisland has included Far Barsey steak, ale and cheese pie.

If you cook for the masses, Rishworth School's contribution might be worth a look.

Janet Murrell from the catering department at the school has included moussaka for 24 and says it is ideal for a party.

Janet Murrell from the catering department at the school has included moussaka for 24 and says it is ideal for a party. Venison lovers might enjoy King's Arms venison from Michael and Paddy at Triangle Post Office or sweet lovers might want to try chocolate almond terrine from Veca Wilson of Central Hall, Ripponden.

In all the book, which costs £5.99, contains almost 100 recipes ranging from starters, mains and desserts to marmalade, chutney and lots of baking ideas. There is even a Christmas pudding for those looking ahead to the festive season.

It is on sale at most of the businesses mentioned above. Copies can also be ordered from Pam Lum on 01422 822376.