A World War II book by a local press deputy editor has proved so popular that a reprint is now planned just two months after it was launched.

Phil Shanahan, from the Tamworth Herald, led the paper's long-running fight to recognise local hero Colin Grazier who drowned after recovering two codebooks from a German U-boat.

His book, The Real Enigma Heroes, chronicles that fight and has flown off the shelves with more than 1,500 copies being sold since March.

Colin's heroics, along with two other men, are believed to have shortened the war by at least a year.

The book has been receiving wide-spread attention with reviews and features in the national press while Phil has been taking part in radio and TV interviews.

Phil said: "My publishers tell me that a reprint is imminent after only two months, which they say is a fantastic start.

"I am also delighted with the huge interest that has been shown in the story.

"The book has been featured in national newspapers such as the Sunday Express and in newspapers and magazines throughout the country.

"I was in Plymouth a few weeks ago and picked up the Navy News and The Weekly News, both of which carried in-depth features on the book.

"The BBC also filmed in the Tamworth Herald offices recently and the clip, which was broadcast on Midlands Today, can still be viewed on the internet.

"I have also received letters, telephone calls and emails from all sorts of people, including one man from Grahamstown, South Africa, saying that they are delighted that three great unsung heroes have at last been celebrated.

"I put in a heck of a lot of effort into this project but this kind of reaction makes every second well worthwhile."

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