WHEN Mark Scott retired from the University of Bolton he had no intention of writing a book.

But a chance look in his grandmother’s keepsake box after she died sparked an interest in family history and a mission to solve a family mystery — involving a mansion and Victorian social reformer resulting in him penning his first book Beyond the Witches' Circle.

Mr Scott, from Horwich, embarked on his 'Who Do You Think You Are?' journey which took him to Newcastle to find out more about his great great grandfather Henry Scott, which has inspired his book.

He said: “Beyond the Witches' Circle is a historical novel set in the North East.

“I was puzzled to discover that Henry’s place of birth was Dilston — why was he born there?”

It is this which forms the basis of the story.

The novel is set in towns and villages along the banks of the River Tyne, places where Mr Scott has visited. 

Most of the people and many of the events described are real.

Mr Scott said: “I haven’t really mentioned my family connections in the book because they are only interesting to the family.”

Now he has ideas for a number of other books including exploring a link between the North East and Horwich.

Mr Scott, a member of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, says he has been getting good feedback from readers.

The book is available on Amazon and for more information visit the Beyond the Witches' Circle Facebook page.