A DIARY based on life in Bewdley between 1942 and 1944 is the latest offering from a Bewdley author and town councillor.

Baldwin and De Gaulle Bewdley 1942-1944: A Diary of an Observer is the 16th book written by Nigel Knowles.

It is a fictional diary based on historical events that took place when General de Gaulle used Ribbesford House, near Bewdley, as headquarters for his Free French Officer Cadets.

The book is written through the eyes of a young Englishman named Arthur Brandon who was appointed by the Regional Commissioner as liaison secretary between the Free French and Bewdley Borough Council.

Mr Knowles, who is also a county councillor, said he had enjoyed researching and writing the book adding: "It is factually based and all the historical events are correct.

"I am really pleased. I think it would be nice if people could consider it an interesting read and a way of looking at how Bewdley and Kidderminster was during the Second World War," he added.

"I have spoken with a lot of people and I got a real flavour of what was going on then.

"There are still people around who remember the Free French and there are still people who were in Bewdley when De Gaulle came to town in 1943.

"We had thousands of troops in this area - Americans, French and Polish. It really was an interesting time. I almost felt as if I was there myself," he added.

For his next project he plans to write a book of poems.

Mr Knowles said: "I did several poems, which I put in this book about Ribbesford and Worcestershire.

"I think what I am going to do is a poetry book about Worcestershire," he added.

His previous books include Letters from Basra which was chosen for a prize in the Short Cuts compeition, Rowunda's Problem is Arnold Not Me and Lord Lucan - The Letters of Sabrina.

The book is available from Bewdley Tourist Information Centre and Bewdley Books, priced £5.