Fans invited to meet author at shop launch of latest book

Phinn, who writes a weekly column in the Yorkshire Post, will be at Philip Howard Books in Bawtry Road, Wickersley, Rotherham, from 5pm today as part of an evening of events.

After leaving the bookshop he will host a private reception for invited guests at Wickersley School and Sports College, followed by a public event which is set to begin at 6.30pm.

Visitors will be greeted with musical entertainment and between 7pm and 8.15pm the author will read from his books, talk to the audience and hear pupils perform some of his poetry.

A signing of his latest book Road to the Dales: The Story of a Yorkshire Lad, will follow for 45 minutes. The book will be officially released in hardback on Thursday.

Phinn's books about his life as a school inspector in the Yorkshire Dales have won him thousands of fans and have sold more than 1.3 million copies.

According to publisher Penguin, the latest instalment is a "snapshot of growing up in Yorkshire in the 1950s".

A Penguin spokesman said: "With a wicked ear for the comical and a sharp eye for detail, this beautifully written book visits poignant moments, significant events and precious memories."

Phinn, who lives with his family in Doncaster, will visit several book shops in the region over the next few weeks, and will be signing copies of his book at Waterstones in Doncaster on Saturday at 10am and move to WH Smith in Meadowhall between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.