AN acclaimed local author has penned a biographical novel detailing life growing up in 1960s and 1970s Furness.

The novel is Walney resident and retired shift draftsman Stan Henderson’s fourth text focussing on mid-twentieth century Barrow.

Entitled ‘Growing up in Hindpool’, the book delves into tales of friends, family members and notable characters Mr Henderson grew up alongside.

The 70-year-old revealed he had always been fascinated with the area since an early age.

He said: “I was shocked to find out no one had written a book about the place.

“I wrote my first book about the steelworks in 2015 and followed it up two years later with another one.

“Initially it was a sort of hobby at first and then became something more.

“I only got into writing aged 65 once I was retired and had the time to do it.”

Mr Henderson said the idea for ‘Growing up in Hindpool’ arose from his previous works.

He said: “When you’re researching a book, it’s surprising how much doesn’t go into the final work so that’s how this book on Hindpool came about, it was a natural progression.

“The problem I had was that other people had written works on Hindpool and from their personal experience too.”

Mr Henderson, who began writing in his retirement aged 65, calls his latest work a ‘factual trip through the local history of Hindpool’.

He said: “It takes the reader along through my family history and personal experience growing up among the Hindpool community.

“It is a factual book which took about two years to write.

“Overall it was a very enjoyable process which I really enjoyed being a part of.”

Mr Henderson said he has no plans to pen another novel.

He added: “That’s the fourth and final one unless I wake up with a brilliant idea.”

The author will describe his latest work at a launch event in the Barrow Archive and Local Studies Centre, in Barrow’s Ramsden Square library, from 7pm on Wednesday, April 17.

There will also be a display of archive material relating to Hindpool by archivist Susan Benson.

You can book a free place by calling 01229 407377, or send an email to barrow.archives@cumbria.gov.uk

There will also be a book-signing event at Heaths, on Dalton Road from 11am until 12pm on April 20.