A psychological thriller is the latest novel published by a West Cumbrian author with a love for literature and amateur dramatics.

Tony Parker, 70, of Workington, has published Forty Years On, which brings the 60s students' protest in Cambridge back to life - but with a darker twist.

This is the third novel published by the former head of maths at St Bees school.

The book is set in 2010 and follows Stephen Sawbridge, a housemaster at a small boarding school who was at university in Cambridge during the student protests.

At a reunion at his old college he receives an email from another student in his group of friends which revives memories of that time and of a tragedy that affected all of them. Tensions that had been buried for years resurface and Stephen has to face up to a dark secret he has suppressed for forty years.

Tony, who is also a member of Workington Playgoers club and has directed and acted in many plays at Workington's Theatre Royal, said: "I think the origin of this book comes from when I attended Cambridge in the late 60s, I wanted to write a book about Cambridge as I knew it then.

"It's not an autobiography but I was thinking back at that time. It was a very political situation for students and that's coming back again now so I think it's quite topical."

Tony said this is his best novel to date.

He added: "I've moved on in my way of writing, people who have read the book also thought it was my best one. I just feel some of the mistakes I made in the early books aren't there anymore and I have a stronger back story."

All proceeds from the book will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and Mary's Meals.