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Former reporter’s book tells city’s life stories

A former regional daily reporter has had his seventh book published telling the life stories of nearly 200 people from his home city.

Maurice Fells has written Bristol Lives telling the tales of people from all walks of life who have made their mark since medieval times to the present day.

He worked at the Western Daily Press as a reporter and feature writer in the 1970s before working for HTV, now ITV West, and now freelances for local papers, while also writing books on Bristol’s history.

Among the character in Maurice’s book are pioneering doctors, explorers, artists, sportsmen and entertainers.

Also included are two journalists – the late Roger Bennett, a former chief reporter at the Bristol Evening Post, who moved to work for BBC Radio Bristol where he presented the morning news programme for 30 years, and Bruce Hockin, an HTV anchor for nearly three decades.

Maurice said: “Bristol has plenty to be proud of when it comes to famous people.

“Although a few names like the engineer Isambard Brunel and the explorer John Cabot have become woven into the fabric of the city’s heritage, there are numerous other people who made their mark in the city but are not remembered.

“I thought it was time that they should get some recognition.”

Bristol Lives is published by SilverWood Originals and is available for £12.99.