A FORMER teacher who has battled against cancer has published the second in a series of nature books to raise funds for charity.

Charles Gidman, of Beechwood Avenue, Accrington, has published a 40-page book called 'Looking Around in Summer' in aid of the Macmillan Nurses Appeal which helps cancer sufferers.

Mr Gidman, 86, hopes he has beaten throat cancer after receiving treatment at the Christie Hospital, Manchester, since 1996.

The work is based on the Nature Notes column he used to write for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in the 1970s. It features a collection of poems, drawings and short articles about the flora and fauna that can be found in and around East Lancashire.

Mr Gidman, a life member of the Accrington Naturalists Society, has taught at several schools, including St Christopher's High, Accrington.

Mr Gidman's book is available from the tourist information centre in Accrington Town Hall. It costs £2, with proceeds going to the Macmillan Nurse Appeal and Whalley Abbey Friendship.

Mr Gidman hopes to publish further charity nature booklets for autumn and winter.

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