A LIFE-LONG love affair with Prince led a Teesside man on an adventure that took him across the Atlantic to walk in his hero’s footsteps.

Stuart Willoughby took a break from his work as the manager of Stockton’s renowned Sound It Out Records to embark upon a life-changing trip to Paisley Park, the Minnesota residence where Prince lived and where he was found dead in 2016.

The ardent music fan has now penned his first book - Minneapolis Reign – a Guide to Prince’s Hometown - about the late artist whose work left an indelible impression on his life.

He will share anecdotes relating to his travels at The Forum in Darlington on Monday, September 11.

Hosted by the Darlington Film Club, the event will see Mr Willoughby give a talk prior to a screening of the musician’s Sign o’ the Times concert film.

Mr Willoughby said: “I’d already given a talk at Sound it Out and 70 people came – everyone enjoyed it and I talked about the places I’d seen and the people I’d met in Minnesota.

“I didn’t intend to write a book about it and didn’t really think anyone would be that interested but it seems as though a lot of people are.

“The book covers the trip and acts as part travelogue, part Prince biography and part fan memoir – as far as I’m aware, it’s the first book about Prince that has been written by a non-professional writer fan for other fans.

“It can be used by fans who want to travel to Minneapolis and used as a guide as it has street by street directions to each location, or it can just be enjoyed by anyone who knows what it feels like to love a particular artist.”

He added: “I’ve loved Prince since I was 12 and I’m now 46.

“I bought every album within a few days of its release since 1984 and saw him live loads.

“I’ve got a massive collection of his stuff, from records and CDS to memorabilia and he helped to mould me into the person I am.

“I grew up not knowing any other kids who liked him, so it was my thing.

“I got lots of grief about it when I was a kid but most of the events that have happened in my life I can tie to certain points of his career.”

Mr Willoughby's talk will take place from 7.30pm, admission is £3.

Minneapolis Reign will be launched in November, with fans able to purchase copies in advance at the event or from minneapolisreign.com from the end of the week.

On Saturday, September 9, tribute act The Prince Experience UK will perform at The Forum.