GLOUCESTERSHIRE poet and former Mayor of Tetbury, Tony Stowell, has captured the seasons and traditions of the Cotswolds in a new book.

The Cotswold Calendar, a celebration in verse designed to take readers on a deeply personal tour of the Cotswolds, will be launched by Tony at The Woolsack Races in Tetbury on Monday, May 28.

Each page of The Cotswold Calendar has been illustrated with photographs, watercolour sketches or a map of the location.

Speaking about the inspiration behind his collection of sonnets, Tony said: "The Cotswolds is a beautiful, characterful and entirely unforgettable region.

"It felt very natural to me to follow the patterns of the passing months in a tour running from Broadway to Bath, Tetbury to Cirencester and many places between."

Tony was Mayor of Tetbury between 2001─2003. He was also on hand when HRH The Prince of Wales was the official starter at the Woolsack Races in 1998.

Tony and his wife Rosalind have been deeply involved in local affairs in their Cotswold town for many years.

Tony will be launching his new book The Cotswold Calendar on Woolsack Races day at the new Whistle Stop Café behind the Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre.

He will be there between 10am and midday on Monday, May 28 for poetry, a book signing and a glass of wine.

All welcome.

The Cotswold Calendar is published by Crumps Barn Studio in paperback and ebook priced £7.99. Available online and in bookshops now.