A WRITER from Kingsmead is sharing precious moments in his new collection of short stories.

Alan Fleet has published 'Five Moments in Time' for Amazon Kindle, featuring five tales and some recognisable locations.

He said the lead story should appeal to readers with an interest in mid Cheshire history.

"The idea for King of the River came on a cold winter’s morning during a walk along the River Weaver that ended up at Vale Royal Locks," Alan said.

"Deserted and in a terrible state of repair with the bull-nose wall having just collapsed into the river it was hard to imagine that this was once a thriving hub on the river with boats running round the clock seven days a week.

"Using the locks themselves as a central character, I set about researching a story to reflect the post-war changes and death of the river trade; what I never expected to discover was how violent the world of a river captain could be and despite a written code of conduct that was meant to be followed, captains did ‘fight for the water’."

'King of the River' falls under 'A Time to Reflect' in the collection and features Tom, captain of the cargo boat Salterswall, who knows the salt trade from Winsford to Liverpool is dying but as he has been king of the river for so long he refuses to give up without a fight.

'A Time to Choose' is the story 'Giri' about the dying man Micah and his friend Ray, who honours Micah's dying wish and, in so doing, brings together two cultures separated by 400 years and thousands of miles in present-day England.

'A Time to Act' features the story 'A Good Slap', which is about war veteran Ted whose old comrades-in-arms take it upon themselves to punish a gang of youths who attack Ted on Remembrance Sunday.

'A Time to Remember' is the story 'Castle of the Rock', which is set at Beeston Castle and explores what happens to invisible friends when they are forgotten about.

'A Time to Be' is the story 'Your Mind, Your Body', which should appeal to anyone who has drifted off to sleep and discovered they are awake in a body that will not move.

To download a copy of the book visit amazon.co.uk and search for Alan Fleet.