A LIFE-LONG love of writing has led one of Felixstowe's best known residents to publish his own book, at the age of 89.Don Stocker, of Cowley Road, was born and bred in Suffolk and has lived in the seaside town for 50 years.

A LIFE-LONG love of writing has led one of Felixstowe's best known residents to publish his own book, at the age of 89.

Don Stocker, of Cowley Road, was born and bred in Suffolk and has lived in the seaside town for 50 years.

He launched his first book A Suffolk Son: A Journey Through Life with a signing at the town's Library.

He said: "I have always loved writing and was very good at it at school. I remember my English master saying to me when I left: 'For God's sake Don, keep on writing!'

"I've tried to keep it up throughout my life and this book is only a small selection of what I have done."

Mr Stocker spent five years in America with the RAF during the Second World War and, upon his return, took up teaching. He taught at Causton primary school for 30 years, where he was able to instil his passion for the arts in many of his pupils.

The book is a collection of essays which Mr Stocker describes as "a journey through life portrayed in walks in Suffolk's countryside and on the heritage coast." They date back as far as 1942, when Mr Stocker was still in the RAF.

He said: "My style of writing is what I would call 'fanciful'. I like to paint pictures with words so that people really feel like they are there, walking along the country lanes with me."

The book costs £2 inclusive of postage and is available at the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, by telephone: 01394 274331, by post: Fells Cottage, 72 Ferry Road, Felixstowe, or by email: debo@suffolkonline.net

Mr Stocker will donate 50p from the sale of each book to the Mayor of Ipswich's Charity Fund.