A former regional journalist has fulfilled a lifelong ambition after publishing her debut crime fiction novel.

Vicki Fitzgerald has drawn inspiration from her experience working on the Bristol Post and Weston & Worle News for her book, Briguella, which is available through Creativa Publishing.

It follows the story of journalist Kate Rivendale’s involvement in the manhunt for a serial killer in the fictional town of Westhaven, based on Weston-super-Mare.

During Vicki’s time on the Post, between 2003 and 2011, she served as the newspaper’s reporter for the Somerset town.

Vicki Fitzgerald with her book, Briguella

The 36-year-old now runs her own media relations agency, Paramount PR, which she put on hold to carry out research for the novel.

She said: “Oddly, I enjoyed covering crime as a reporter and my writing career with the Bristol Post, and former Weston & Worle News, helped inspire the book.

“Briguella is based loosely around a police investigation I covered involving a serial attacker in Weston and readers will recognise many North Somerset landmarks.

“The book finally came to life thanks to assistance from numerous forensic advisors, police, mortuary and paramedic professionals, all of whom I am indebted to.”