THE leader of Wyre Forest's Labour Group has released his latest book, comparing the lives of his parents with that of famed poet Dylan Thomas and his wife Caitlin.

Wyre Forest district councillor Nigel Knowles was inspired to research Thomas' family life after holidaying in Sicily, where Caitlin moved after her husband's death in 1953.

Nigel told The Shuttle: "My mom was born in Wales and so was Dylan Thomas. I grew up liking him so the link was there.

"I'd taken some books about Dylan Thomas to Sicily with me in 2017 and went through the town where Caitlin was living. I ended up spending most of the holiday writing about Dylan Thomas.

"My dad was in the army whereas Dylan got really drunk the night before his interview with the medical board so that he would be found unfit to serve. Thomas and Caitlin were alcoholics and violent to each other - my parents were not. The contrast in their lifestyles really interested me."

'Dylan Thomas and Significant Others' is a critical essay examining the poet's life and relationships, rather than his works.

Nigel added: "There are so many books out there filled with direct quotes from Dylan Thomas' work. I wanted to look at him as a man and Caitlin as a woman."

The book is available to buy at Stourport Emporium in Lombard Street at a cost of £8, or from Nigel directly on 01299 402343.