A former Somerset County Gazette journalist has written a spiritual biography on the first registered victim of the September 11 terrorist attack on New York.

Mike Ford worked for the Gazette for eight years, during which time he began to discover his true vocation in life.

Dr Ford said: “At the Gazette I did a column every week featuring different local people in the news. I have always enjoyed writing features about people’s lives because I am fascinated by how people reflect on life and society.

“I have particular resonance with people who have suffered and triumphed over suffering. I like exploring how people’s gifts and talents are revealed in the major circumstances of their lives.”

Dr Ford left the Gazette to read Theology at Bristol University and then joined the BBC, working for the Sunday programme on Radio 4 and the BBC World Service.

He also holds a doctorate in Christian Spirituality from the University of Liverpool and lectures at Liverpool Hope University.

Dr Ford’s book, Father Mychal Judge: An Authentic American Hero, recalls the life of the Franciscan Friar and New York City fire chaplain who was killed while giving the last rites to casualties at the World Trade Center.

His first book, Wounded Prophet, told the story of Henri JM Nouwen, one of America’s most influential spiritual writers. Friends of Father Judge found a copy on his dresser when they entered his room on September 12.

Dr Ford said: “I have always had a sense of vocation but not in a pious sense. Journalism is much more compatible with spirituality than people think, because both are about seeing beyond the person and listening.

“I have always been a journalist, but in my own way, and I enjoy being different really.”

A three-week publicity trip to New York awaits Dr Ford, a visit he expects to be an amazing experience.

He said: “I wanted the book to be an honest and sensitive account of Father Judge’s life. He was a legend in New York even before September 11 made him a hero.”