AS the founder of The Wainwright Society Otley resident John Burland has always worn his love of walking on his sleeve.

For several years he has put on dramatic one-man shows about the legendary fellwalker, Alfred Wainwright, raising thousands for charity in the process.

Then in the Spring of 2015 he had a walking book about his beloved Yorkshire Dales - the result of four years of research - published.

John received an unwelcome surprise last autumn, however, when he was made redundant.

But he has made good use of the extra time by pushing on with a new book, this time focusing on the Washburn Valley, while job searching.

He said: "I thought I might as well make the most of the opportunity.

"While I'm looking for work this looked like an obvious project to keep busy - rather than sitting at home watching Jeremy Kyle!

"We don't have a definite title for it yet but it will be something like Walks in and Around the Washburn Valley Area.

"The book will have eleven walks in total, including a short town centre one in Otley and another from Otley to Knotford Nook and back.

"But the others will all be in the Washburn Valley and include circular walks around the reservoirs.

"They'll range from three miles to a full 25 mile trek from Otley to the top of Thruscross and back - though most are four to seven miles."

The 63 year old had approached the publishers of his previous work, Yorkshire Walks - 6 Dales - 30 Walks, to see if they would be interested in his new idea.

Sigma Press, pleased with sales of the earlier book, were quick to voice their support.

As well as detailed directions and maps John is determined to include lots of local history in the new book, whose routes also take in Lindley Wood, Leathley, Riffa and Stainburn.

He said: "I've been walking in the area since I was at Prince Henry's Grammar School, 50 years ago.

"There's a lot of history in the area that you can delve into and that's what I've tried to do.

"I've been reading up a lot on the history of the area and will be using details from that including snippets - with her permission - from Ilkley-based author and historian Diana Parsons' The Book of the Washburn Valley.

"Some of the best feedback from my first book was that it was enjoyable to sit at home and read, as well as a useful walking guide."

The Washburn guide will include photographs taken by John, too.

The publication date is to be decided but he is hoping for a summer, 2016, release.