A FIRST time author is launching his book at Wiveliscombe Rugby Club next week - two days after his 91st birthday.

Wesley Wyatt's God Speed the Plough covers his farming career of more than 70 years in the Wiveliscombe area.

Copies of the book, published by Charlcombe Books, will be available priced £12 at the launch on Tuesday (April 18) from 11am to 1pm.

Mr Wyatt took over the family farm at the age of 18, transforming it from an old-fashioned mix of corn and beef into one of the most intensive and successful farm businesses in Somerset.

Along the way, he survived all manner of trials and tribulations before easing back and turning to conservation in his later years.

He had a strict Methodist upbringing and enjoyed sport, local politics and meeting former schoolmates in the Old Tauntonians.

It all makes for a life story as rich as it is compelling, with his book beautifully illustrated with more than 40 photographs.

Wesley Wyatt’s endeavours may indeed have been unpredictable, but that just makes them all the more fascinating.