Two books by a former weekly newspaper editor have returned to the bestseller charts, years after they were first published.

The Final Dive and Mallard, by Don Hale, are back in Amazon’s top 100 lists, as two significant anniversaries related to the books are marked this year.

Don, who edited the Matlock Mercury and the Bury Messenger, first had The Final Dive – the Life and Death of Buster Crabb published in 2007, but the book is now currently at 93 in Amazon’s list.

It tells the story of British naval frogman commander Lionel ‘Buster’ Crabb, who disappeared during a secret mission under the hull of a Russian warship moored in Portsmouth harbour 60 years ago.

The book reveals the true mastermind behind this flawed mission and confirms their intentions. It also includes testimony from Crabb’s former commanding officer, top navy officials, private letters, secret files, government meetings, private records and detailed research with the American CIA and Russian KGB archives.

Meanwhile Mallard – How the Blue Streak Broke the World Speed Record, is also back in the Amazon best-selling charts at number three.

This book, although first written in 2005, has once again been constantly updated and revised due to special anniversaries and the 75th birthday celebrations at the National Railway Museum in York. It has been reprinted at least six times with optional versions printed in hardback, paperback and large print.

Said Don: “I am really thrilled to have two of my books competing again in the top 100. Both involved years of dedicated research and it’s always gratifying when so many people say how much they have enjoyed them.

“Mallard has always been a firm favourite with the public but has probably been boosted slightly by the revival of the Flying Scotsman. I still love the old steam engines, and my other passions are wartime drama and spy mysteries, so the commissions ticked all my boxes.

“In both cases, I used former contacts to help identify people who were actually involved in these true life adventures and discovered many previously unknown facts and spoke with key characters who played prominent roles.

“Many unfortunately, are no longer with us so I am pleased that their exploits were eventually recorded for other generations to enjoy.”