A BRIDPORT author has had his work shortlisted amongst the likes of famous presenter and author Ben Fogle.

Iain Gately’s ‘Secret Surfer’ – which was released in November last year – has been shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards 2019 for ‘Lonely Planet Adventure Travel Book of the Year’.

Mr Gately said: “The Secret Surfer tells the story of my quest to catch the tube after having my hip replaced.

“I had spent the prior couple of years limping, in growing pain, and had gone from being very active to a semi-invalid state.

“Once I had the operation, I decided I would try to regain something of the health I had enjoyed in the past and also try and do something I had never managed before – hence the tube.

“It was harder than I thought and there is a twist in the tale, but I got there in the end.

“The book is mainly set around the English coast, with grey skies and cold brow seas. Lyme Regis features in it as do other Dorset locations, including Kimmeridge, Charmouth and Eype.

“I am thrilled to be on the shortlist for the award – the list includes Ben Fogle, writing about his ascent of Everest, and Levison Wood describing his trek through Arabia, so my story is very much more down to earth.”

Mr Gately is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including ‘Drink’, ‘La Diva Nictonia’ and ‘Rush Hour’.

He was raised in Hong Kong and studied law at Cambridge but now lives in Bradpole with his partner and family.