A RETIRED mechanical engineer and teacher is working on a new book 50 years after he wrote his first publication.

James Wilkinson, 82, from Redworth, near Darlington, wrote technical drawing book, Steps to Draughtsmanship, in 1966.

The book, which was originally written using imperial measurements, was reproduced five years later in metric.

It was used by students working towards the GCE and CSE qualifications in Britain and copies were also sent to schools abroad.

Mr Wilkinson said he remembers producing the text and drawings for the book was hard work but he is very proud of his achievement.

"It took three years to write and involved working late into the evening and early in the morning - efforts which at the time meant life was somewhat strenuous.

"But it sold in eight countries around the world and I consider the effort to be more than rewarding."

Mr Wilkinson wrote several more books during his career and said he was working on a new one on technical drawing.

"I might not get it finished but it is something to do," he added.