A Malvern man's book about two places at the core of rural life will raise funds for a cancer charity.

The Village, the Church and the Pub does what it says on the cover.

Roy Millar, of Worcester Road, explored villages in the North Cotswolds, Worcester-shire and Herefordshire and has written about their churches and pubs.

Mr Millar, a retired insurance manager who has visited more than 1,000 churches in the last 10 years, got the idea for writing the book after giving a talk about churches where someone suggested it would be a good idea.

He spent eight years gathering information and the book he has produced features 33 villages including Much Marcle, Bosbury, Coddington, Colwall and Ashperton.

"We're very fortunate in this area. We've got very beautiful churches, lovely countryside and the pubs are quite good as well," he said, adding that a lot of the material in the book came from local people who have "an amazing amount of knowledge".

Any profit made from the sale of the book will go towards the Cobalt Unit Appeal Fund. The Cheltenham-based charity helps cancer patients from across the Three Counties and is set to install three scanners, costing £4.5 million, into a new £2 million clinic.

Mr Millar said he chose to give the profits to the unit because cancer had affected members of his family.

"I had plenty of incentive. I'm one of many people who want to do their best for this fund," he said.

The book is illustrated by Evesham artist Barbara Butcher and is available at Priory Books, Great Malvern, Mutters newsagent in Mal-vern Link or from Mr Millar on 01684 892170. Published by UPSO, it costs £9.99.