A publisher who grew up in Dorset has overseen an anthology covering life in the west country.

The West Country Collection has been published by Tim Saunders Publications and features authors from across the West of England, from Devon to Gloucestershire. It was published on Thursday, July 28 and is 469 pages long.

The Dorset section forms the largest part of this bumper book, which also features contributions from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. There is a separate foreword for each county, giving an insight into life in the area as well as paintings by local artists.

Tim Saunders, whose own poetry and short stories also feature in the book, said: “My foreword for Dorset became more of a memoir.”

He said that he found that many memories came flooding back as he compiled this book, which is a celebration of the counties.

Tim grew up in Dorset, living in Friar Waddon, near Upwey for more than 20 years. He attended Dorchester Prep, Clayesmore School in north Dorset and Weymouth College.

He said: “I specialise in promoting the work of little known writers.”

The Dorset contributors include: Sally Pinhey from Upwey who painted the artwork on the front cover named ‘Egdon Heath’ which was bought by the House of Lords; Patrick Corbett from Worth Matravers; Nigel Dyer from Gillingham; Laura Sanders from Gillingham; Sue Farmer Brummitt from Swanage; Martin Hobdell from Swanage; Sarah Early from Swanage; Pamela King from Sherborne; Ann Ixer from Sherborne; Sylvia Weston from Weymouth; Nicky Clyne from Weymouth; Jacqueline Townsend from Shaftesbury; Mary Buchan from Marnhull and Fiona Gowenlock.

Founded in 2022, Tim Saunders Publications publishes anthologies as well as other works of literary importance including short stories and memoirs.

The West Country Collection is available in ebook and paperback.