Journalism trainer David Scott is about to publish his first novel - about life on a typical weekly newspaper.

David is a former weekly newspaper editor and has used his wealth of experience in the business to bring reality to the book The Standard Bearer.

It centres around Herman Scruple, an estate agent and local councilor, who is determined to become the most powerful man in Thurnham.

But newspaper editor Dick Chinnery, constantly waging his own war against the local council, has other ideas…

Intent on exposing the council's devious and secret practices, Dick and his dedicated small team of reporters at the Shaldon Standard face some fierce opposition, including high-class local thuggery and a serious rival.

The east coast weekly uncovers council corruption, pressure from key advertisers, a rival free newspaper and a journalists' strike!

The book is being published by Pen Press and will be available from all book shops in January and online from Amazon.

The 275-page paperback (ISBN 1904754-88-0) goes on sale at £7.99.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk