AN East Lancashire author has written his way to success with the publication of a second book, called Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths in Blackburn and Hyndburn.

Stephen Greenhalgh, of Barnfield, Accrington, had the first book printed himself but this time a publisher has taken the author under its wing.

His first book looked at mysterious deaths and murders in Hyndburn and the second extends the investigation to Blackburn.

Wharncliffe Books in Barnsley specialises in publications about British regions. The publisher snapped up the author after the success of his first book, Murder Tales of the Unexpected.

The 52-year-old former RSPCA warden became an author after a leg injury forced him to leave his job of 30 years.

He turned his efforts to writing and his second book took two years to research.

He said: "Some of the stories have been heard about but there are some things that haven't which are as gruesome as the Jack the Ripper case. One example is the case of Reginald Birchall, a vicar's son from the Accrington area. He lured wealthy men over to Canada with the promise of investment on large stock farms in the 1890's.

Instead of making a killing, they were butchered by Birchall for their money.

The book costs £9.99 and will be available in tourist centres and book shops across the region from September 7.

Stephen will also be signing copies in Accrington tourist office at the town hall from 10am to noon on the day.