A journalist whose blog about quirky local news stories became in internet sensation has published a book based on the tales he has collected.

Alistair Coleman began the Angry People in Local Newspapers site nine years ago, and has now ventured into reverse-publishing with a book bearing the same name.

Alistair was first inspired to launch the blog after reading a story in the Reading Evening Post about a woman being put off sausages by her naked neighbour.

His Facebook page has since had 250,000 likes and he says he gets “hundreds” of emails and Facebook messages a day wth stories from around the country.

Alistair told In Your Area: “It used to be the case I was scouring local newspaper website for stories. Now, many of the members are acting as ‘official spotters’ and helping me provide a round up of the news that really matters.”

“The main themes are: potholes, dog poo, and the all-time number one, bins.”

Alistair now works at the BBC in a role where he spends his time analysing fake news and misinformation.

He said: “It’s why I love local newspapers – I love truth and the telling of truth. In a world now dominated by fake news, you can really find what issues really annoy normal people.

“Back in the day, your local news story stayed local. But now, the power of the internet means that you pointing with a scowl on your face at a dead mouse in a tin of beans can go all the way round the world, translated into every language from Tunbridge Wells to Vladivostok.

“Think of it as Gogglebox, only pointing at bins and dog poo, wrapped in a Union Flag. And we’re delighted that so many editors and publishers see the funny side of the book. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

The original photograph in the Reading Post which inspired the ‘Angry People’ blog