WHAT does the American Wild West and Huddersfield have in common?

Quite a lot actually when they're linked by author Colin Spivey and the characters in his first novel Foothold In The Frontier.

Colin, of Cowlersley, was inspired to try his hand at writing by his former workmate, the late Frank Hannam who loved reading Western novels.

Colin said: "Ever since I was a child I've had the desire to write a book. Because I was a poor writer and read very little, my written English originally left much to be desired.

"My desire to write was rekindled again a few years before I retired when an older workmate of mine, Frank, became terminally ill.

"I soon found it difficult to find Western novels to take for him to read. I'll always be grateful for the inspiration he gave me to try again, resulting in this Western novel.

"Frank was just one of many quality ceramic wall and floor tilers working at W Fisher & Sons Ltd of Huddersfield where I also worked.

"Included in the novel are the names of many people who have worked at the tiling business over the years.

"There are quite a few other workmates, all of whom I consider to be friends, who are not mentioned. All I can do is apologise and promise to consider them when and if I take pen to paper again," said Colin.

The book, which should be available at Ottakar's in Huddersfield priced £8.99, is set during the American Civil War.

The story centres around the character Hubert Norton, a 50-year-old Yorkshireman from Huddersfield, a hard working carpenter-cum-builder who was employed by Lord and Lady Hannam at Meltham Hall.

After the death of his beloved wife Catherine, Hubert is full of despair and wondering how he will carry on.

Eventually to try to lift himself out of this pit of gloom and despondency, he set sail aboard the Narwhal bound for America.

A new life and a fresh start was just what was needed.

Eventually following various trials and tribulation, Hubert gains success and status. He also finds love and happiness with a new wife and life, once again, has much to offer.

This tale however has one more twist and Hubert discovers the unexpected one stormy and eventful night.

Colin said: "Originally I started making notes a few years before I retired. Frank gave me the inspiration to try my hand at a Western novel and his name is well remembered in the story.

"All through the book I've based my characters on Huddersfield people. When the main character Hubert steps off the gangplank in America, he is still very much a Yorkshireman.

"In a fresh start, he deserts ship and starts looking for a job and a new life.

"Eventually he goes to live in Paterson, an area featuring ranches, horses, cattles, guns Little Falls and Great Falls and makes himself a new life in the New World where his new friends include local Indians, Mohawks and Cherokees."

Colin himself is thrilled with the book and looking forward to seeing it on the bookshelves.