AN Astley author has had his first book published - at the age of 74.

Former teacher, Mr Jeff Holden, of Church Road, sees his work "Pott Luck" hit the bookshelves soon.

And the publication has thrilled Mr Holden, who has spent a lifetime looking after disturbed youngsters.

He said: "It took several years to come to fruition and has been rejected more than once. But to have a book accepted and printed at my age, well it's still sinking in."

Now happily retired, Mr Holden, who is married to Helen, and has two sons, has been a regular contributor to magazines, writing mainly on cricket and short stories.

He developed the principal character in his book, Paul Pott, 14, a clumsy, untidy youth, who is a nuisance at home and useless at school, from a number of young lads he dealt with during his career.

This started as a PE teacher, and ended after posts in Shropshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, with retirement after 12 years at the Holmlea assessment centre, Boothstown.

A happy Mr Holden now has a second book on the cards.

"Pott Luck" by Jeff Holden ISBN 1901668371 has been published by Hamilton and Co Publishers Ltd, price £4.99.

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