'Our Les' pens 93 years of memories

The former plumber achieved a lifetime's ambition by seeing his story in print. Early sales have been promising. Between 70 and 100 copies have been bought.

He has arranged a signing session at the town's Regis Centre between 10am and 1pm on Saturday (November 24) for anyone who wants to buy an autographed copy. The book costs 10.

Mr Hollom, of Bersted Green Court in Hazel Road, said: 'I'm proud of my book.

'I promised myself all my life that I would like to do it if I had the chance.

'I spent two years writing it every night in longhand, had a break for two years, and then took it up again for another two years.

'Writing the book brought back a lot of memories. I've put in every story I can remember from the age of four. I put them down just as I thought of them. It makes for an easy read.'

His anecdotes in his self-published book will interest those who remember packets of flower seeds for an old penny or lengthy apprenticeships. Mr Hollom started work aged 13 as an apprentice fitter for six years.

World War I broke out soon after Mr Hollom joined the Gas, Light and Coke Company in London's East End, where he was born, but he worked for the same company for 46 years.

He and his family moved to Bognor in 1957 to enable his late wife to live in a bungalow by the sea and benefit from the fresh air.

He moved away to live with his sister in 1997 and returned to Bognor two years later.

Mr Hollom can still be seen riding around the town on his bike. He also plays bowls to maintain a full life. Anyone who cannot get to the signing session can order a copy of Our Les by contacting Mr Hollom on 01243 830512 after 6pm.