A FORMER serviceman is following in the footsteps of his younger brother by writing an autobiography about life in Burnley.

James Cowell, 65, of Ightenhill Park Lane, is hoping his first book, entitled 'God Loves a Trier', will be a best seller and publishers Blakes have already predicted that it will go down a storm with readers.

The book, which took two years to complete, is a personal story of James's journey from Second World War rationing and fear of the Nazis, to childhood adventures.

The father-of-five, who did his National Service in 1955 for four years as a regular in the Air Force, went on to set up his own joinery business before retiring to concentrate on writing.

His book gives a unique personal insight into family life in Burnley from the 1930s through to the 1950s and the views highlighted in his book give an insight into living in an era of poverty and hardship.

James said: "The book tells the real story of growing up in a world of heartache, joy and adversity."

The title of the book comes from a comment made from his sister-in-law while she was proof reading his book.

James said: "After she read it she said 'well God loves a trier' and I knew instantly that it had to be the title for the book.

"I was told by the publishers that if I wrote a book and they liked it that they would print it.

"When they read it they told me it would be a best seller and that's what I am hoping for."

The book follows the successful path set by his brother John with his two impressive titles, 'The Broken Biscuit' and 'Cracks in the Ceiling'.

James is currently in the process of writing two other titles.

Buy 'God Loves a Trier' on-line now...