Annie's Lights, by New Generation Publishing, priced £7.99

IN a world that seems increasingly vulnerable, plagued by natural disasters and the overhanding threat of terrorism, what role can a reclusive young woman from Bradford play in saving the planet?

Annie's Lights is an intriguing novel from Bradford writer Joe Pitts, who describes it as "believable science fiction" set mostly in Bradford, Ilkley and Leeds. The action also takes place in Latvia, Spain and London.

"The world has never been in a more vulnerable position; threatened by asteroids, tsunamis, earthquakes, flooding and terrorism. Our oil and gas supplies are running out and we have global warming and the ozone layer," writes Joe. "If non-human beings have the technology that we think they have, surely they can save us?

"How can Annie Brown a reclusive young woman in the suburbs of Bradford, help and what secrets does she hold? How can Professor Egbert a renowned authority on Quantum Communications help?

"Who would want to stop the leading world governments from making contact and why?"

Annie’s Lights races along at a cracking pace, populated with rounded, believable characters, some cruel and sinister, some gifted with special abilities. This gives the story a sense of reality, despite the overall themes being rooted in science fiction and fantasy.

Much of the story is based around Yorkshire, and local readers will be able to identify several locations, but there's also an element of international intrigue.

It's a gripping read, with enough action and suspense to keep the reader hooked until the end.

Joe, 62, was born and brought up in Girlington and went to Drummond Road School and Belle Vue Boys School. He worked for BT for 32 years, initially as a clerical assistant and becoming a senior manager. al assistant. His main success at BT was leading a team to win the most profitable outsource contract of its time with a UK bank, a contract worth £80 million.

Joe played rugby league for 20 years at Bradford Northern, Bramley and Batley and also at amateur clubs including Bradford Police Boys, West Bowling, Idle and Greengates Albion.

Joe's brother, John, also played professional rugby league at Bradford, Batley, Oldham and Keighley and the brothers' rivalry and respect for each other is well known in rugby league circles.

After leaving BT, Joe formed his own companies and was also an accident investigator. He has two children, Joanne and Phillip, and two grandchildren, Ella and Joseph. He credits his partner, Sharon, with giving him the inspiration and support to write Annie’s Lights.

Joe will be signing copies of Annie's Lights at the Cow and Calf Hotel, Ilkley, on Saturday, February 13. The hotel is one of the local places featured in his book.

* Annie’s Lights is available from Amazon, as a paperback, hardback and e-book.

Emma Clayton