BORN in Radcliffe, a black pudding fan, Shakers supporter and a well-known businessman, There's no-one more loyal to his roots than Gordon Lomax, apart from the fact that he now lives in Florida!

But home is where the heart is they say, and Gordon's northern roots and humour feature strongly in his book Musings of a Black Pudding Man.

Born in Radcliffe's Bealey Maternity Home 68 years ago, Gordon was brought up in Rochdale Road, Bury to be "familiar with women's clothing" as his parents Richard and Elsie ran a ladies outfitters shop!

The name Gordon Lomax will be remembered by many in Whitefield, as Bury New Road was the base for his sports, stationery and gift shop which he ran until 1986.

And prior to moving to the US to become a tennis coach he could be heard on the airwaves as a freelance broadcaster for BBC Radio Manchester.

The former Bury Grammar School pupil has also made his name as a columnist, writing about a miscellany of articles that reflect his light-hearted outlook on life.

And it is his published work on such diverse things as rowing on the River Thames, European men on the beach, sexual equality and itching, that can be read in his new book, which was published in Great Britain last week.

Also featuring in the book is his first memory of being introduced to the delicacy of black puddings by his grandfather, former Bury footballer, Jack Lomax.

Gordon said: "What my grandad knew and my parents didn't, was that a BBP (Bury Black Pudding) was full of energy and contained significant levels of protein, iron, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium, riboflavin, thiamin, dietary fibre and vitamin B12. What my parents knew and my grandad didn't, was that a BBP had high levels of monounsaturated fat, a surplus of sugar, too much sodium, an excess of carbohydrates, way too much cholesterol and should be eaten in moderation. Quite clearly my grandad, to whom I was devoted, won on points."

As a man who has experienced many things in his 68 years, Gordon's philosophy is simple.

"I always see the humorous side of everything," he said.

Then adds, quite seriously I think, "My biggest regret will be that I did not run Bury FC."

Musings of a Black Pudding Man is available at £9.95 from the reference and information services department of Bury Library.