A RETIRED journalist is turning Longridge into the “Midsomer of the North” after releasing his fourth crime novel based on the area.

Writing enthusiast Barry Durham, 68, is launching his latest title Sweet Molly Alone in a series of supernatural crime mysteries.

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The tale follows on from the last book and detective inspector Alex Johnson is left to deal with finding the killer of several men called Ryan, with her colleague away following the birth of his son.

The Chipping writer, who recently lectured at UCLan, said he always wanted to write about somewhere he knew.

He said: “I have based all my books in the area I have spent the majority of my life in — Longridge, Chipping and Preston.

“I have lived here for more than 40 years and I have grown to know the towns well.

“Some people have told me that I am turning the area into the Midsomer of the North, which I am quite pleased about.

“I was told to write about something you know and something you like.”

Mr Durham started writing novels towards the end of his journalistic career and published his first novel, The Demdike Legacy, in 2012.

The father of two and grandfather of three said: “I am a big fan of the supernatural, ghosts and the unknown, so it is definitely helped me produce these types of books. I find my ideas from reading lots of news and always taking in what is going on around me.

“I will not ever be a massive-selling writer but I am really happy with what I have now and I hope I continue to entertain my readers and enjoy writing.”

Last December, Mr Durham was forced to take a break from his writing after getting trapped under the wheels of his own car outside his home when the handbrake was left off.

He escaped without any broken bones but suffered soft-tissue injuries.

The latest book has been published by American company Glannant Ty and will be officially launched at the Chipping Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dece- mber 5, between 11am and 3pm.

The book is available in Kindle format at amazon.co.uk.