A FORMER Richmond School pupil has penned a book featuring his own pen and ink drawings, poems, local fables and walking guide.

Mark Stott, 24, graduated with a first in history from the University of York and it was his dissertation on the growth of Richmond’s appeal as a historic town that scored his highest mark.

But it was not until returning home during Easter this year after having travelled and living in Poland teaching English that he decided to put together Richmond by Rhyme.

He said: “I ended up spending several months at home in Richmond this year when I hadn’t expected to, and being back in the town reminded me how beautiful and interesting the area is.

“I thought it would be a nice idea to have a book with ten episodes charting the town’s history, showing how it has grown, and a map to show where the sights are. I don’t know where the poetry came from – I just like the sound and rhythm of it so when writing many of the stories I thought of a rhyme.”

Included in the book are local tales about Willance’s Leap, the Drummer Boy and the Sweet Lass, and information about author Lewis Carroll attending Richmond Boys' School, as well as drawings of the castle and a military drum.

The self-published book is available for £5 in Castle Hill Bookshop, Richmondshire Museum,Tourist Information Centre, Oxfam, Lost and Found at the Station, Westend Stores, Millgate House, and Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve in Catterick Garrison.