A GRANDAD has travelled back in time to capture his life story.

The journey to write his memoir has been a labour of love for 84-year-old Geoff Mellor.

After 16 years, he has finally completed his book The Road to Severn Walk.

The dad-of-four made his publishing debut in 2002 when his early life as an apprentice mechanic appeared in Mid Cheshire Memories, alongside three other authors.

“That book was about my childhood,” said Geoff, of Severn Walk. “It sold all over the world, in America, Australia and Canada and was very successful.

“I thought I’d like to write my own book.”

In his biography, Geoff vividly recalls how he enrolled as a teenage soldier with the Royal Engineers, worked as a skilled motor mechanic and cherished a happy family life.

“I’ve never kept a diary, it’s all in my mind,” said Geoff. I’ve just got a fantastic memory.

“I started crying when I first saw my book. It has been a labour of love.”

Geoff, who left school in Lostock Gralam when he was 15, remembers how the troops were called in to end the petrol strike.

“We also had to help when Canvey Island flooded,” he said. “It was sad to see all the animals floating on the sea. We had to build the sea walls up again and fill sandbags for 17 days.”

After serving in the army for three years, he continued as a reserve until 1959.

Geoff returned to the garage where he started his apprentice and completed his training. He went on to work at various garages finishing with the ‘best job of his life’ maintaining Tesco wagons for 21 years.

Meeting Ev, his wife of 56 years, is a treasured memory.

“I was at Shaw Heath Club in Knutsford and was going home on my own because my mates had met girls when I saw this beautiful woman stood there. I stopped and we got talking. It was love at first sight. I sang all the way home.”

At 34, he took up sub aqua diving and played golf at Knights Grange for 20 years, serving twice as captain.

He has a passion for shire horses.

The couple have four daughters, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Daughter Rachel Hughes said: “Dad is full of stories. His memory is just amazing. He sat with his laptop and typed away.

“To write a book at 84 is a great achievement. We’re going to launch the book with a chippy tea at home!”

Green-fingered Geoff looked after the gardens of three pensioners when he retired.

“I’ve had a happy marriage and a fantastic life,” he said. “Being in love with Ev is the best part. I’m proud to have served God, queen and country.”