A FORMER teacher from West Craven has launched his first book as he sets out on a new career as an author.

Andy Shackleton, 60, held a special event at Barnoldswick Library to launch Arctic Cycle', which charts his solo journey cycling across the hostile terrain of Iceland.

The book, which has taken five years to come to fruition, tells the story of Andy's 5,000-mile journey from his home in Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick, to one of the coldest areas on earth.

For more information, visit www.arcticcycle.co.uk.