A CONTROVERSIAL cobbler will close his shop for the final time today - after being ordered to leave because of rent arrears.

Tony Martin has written a book about his lengthy battle with Durham City Council.

It was launched yesterday as he prepared to leave the business that he took over from his father, for the last time.

Ironically, former mayor Joe Anderson was one of the first in line to buy the book.

Mr Anderson lost his seat as a Labour councillor before last year's elections - in which the Liberal Democrats scored a landslide victory - following a boundary shake-up.

Mr Martin said the launch and signing event, at Shotton's Antiquarian Bookshop, on Elvet Bridge, went well.

"I sold over 200 in three-quarters of an hour, plus I have got many more ordered," he said.

"It is a hell of a start. I think I have got buyers for half the 1,000 I had printed."

He has been ordered to move out of the shop in Claypath by his landlord, the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance, after running up rent arrears of more than £20,000.