A RETIRED firefighter who quit tackling blazes in the quest to write his own books has now released his fourth novel.

After spending more than 30 years in the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Graham Ashworth decided to put down his hose reel and picked up a pen.

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His fourth book, Kandyman, is a mystery drama set in Hyndburn, about an Alex Dawson, who makes it his mission to uncover the truth about his ex-girlfriend, Hannah’s, 20 year disappearance.

The main protagonist Alex discovers an old painting he completed himself two decades earlier and left pinned on Hannah’s bedroom wall.

The novel is split into two halves with the first half of the story told from Alex’s version of events, and the second half from Hannah’s.

Mr Ashworth, who lives in Rawtenstall, said: “I came up with the idea when I was walking through one of the county towns and there was an old painting in a shop.

“I started thinking what if it was one of my paintings and if there was a back story behind that.

“When you’re starting out writing from working in something so different like firefighting in Rochdale, writing isn’t easy to do.

“Trying to get the book to make sense was difficult.

“I have just been told that Kandyman will become book of the month by my publishing group which is going to be great.”

The 55-year-old retired from the fire service in 2009 and moved to a cottage in Burnley Road.

He finished his debut book Man O’The World in 2013 and his other notable works include The Original Wag in 2014, and Crossed Paths last year.

Mr Ashworth said: “I like the idea of bringing out a book every year and so far I’ve been able to.

“I have another book lined up but I won’t release it until next year.”

Kandyman was released on Saturday, June 25, and can be bought for £7.99 on Amazon or £3.99 through Kindle.