A Sandbach author who gets inspiration from 1930s films is half way through writing his second novel and has already planned a third book.

Writer, Michael Burford who uses Marshal as his pen name, followed his dream of writing despite suffering a mini stroke last year and is now urging others to follow in his footsteps.

His first novel, 'Midwinter Mystery: The Town of No return' is out, the updated version complete with a photo he took at Tatton Park.

The novel tells the story of a grief-stricken police inspector who falls from grace but is given a chance at redemption by solving a curious 'cold' case in an unusual little village.

As he battles to uncover the truth, he is forced to face his own demons, anxieties and guilt and all this with an all too familiar ghost.

Michael, who lives in Hassall Road, had written a blog before publishing this novel and is now writing his second - 'Midwinter Mystery: Curse be Damned'.

And he says his car journey to work in Talke and walks along the Salt Line provide him with inspiration for his books.

"I love seeing bare trees and snow and walking during the winter months," said Michael who moved to Sandbach from Surrey with his partner.

"There's so much inspiration around you. When I drive to work, I pass things which inspire me.  

"I'm half way through it and hope to have it completed by October next year.

"Writing is funny. Sometimes it flows and sometimes it doesn't. I fit it in around my day job. I often write for an hour before starting work."

Michael enjoys watching 1930s films but his books are set in the swinging sixties.

"I get inspiration from all kinds of things. I'm pleased with my first ovel and the second one is coming along very well."

The book is available on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Midwinter-Mystery-Return-Supernatural-Crime-ebook/dp/B08M8Z26HH on Kindle or in paperback.