A fashion designer has teamed up with a former regional daily journalist to write a book about his love of cycling.

Sir Paul Smith has worked with Richard Williams, formerly of the Nottingham Post, to create the book, entitled ‘Paul Smith’s Cycling Scrapbook’.

Sir Paul had wanted to be a professional cyclist before injury cut short his career at 17, and the book explores his personal collection of cycling jerseys, as well as an extensive library of cycling publications and brochures of the 1950s and 1960s.

Richard worked at the Post until 1969, when he became deputy editor of music journal Melody Maker, the first presenter of the Old Grey Whistle Test and later worked for several national newspapers, most recently as chief sports writer for The Guardian.

Sir Paul, himself born in Nottingham, said: “As many people will know I’ve been a fan of cycling since my childhood and had dreams of becoming a professional.

“I have a huge collection of memorabilia and lots of wonderful memories of following cycling.

“In the book, Richard Williams, a friend and journalist, has pulled together a selection of pieces from my archive and recounted some of my favourite anecdotes.”