AUTHOR Neil Somerville, who lived for many years in Bonchurch, has always been a cat lover and is particularly excited by the publication of his latest book, Cat Wisdom.

He said: "Cats have always been an important part of my life and, like so many, I enjoy their company and quiet, rather mysterious ways.

"In Cat Wisdom I share 60 lessons we can learn from the cat and, with its drawings and short pieces, hope this book will inspire as well as delight cat lovers everywhere.’

The lessons are wide ranging and include the importance of quiet persistence, of enjoying the now, making the most of opportunities as well as the benefits of pacing yourself.

Neil, 64, attended Ryde School and enjoyed his first writing success while living on the Island.

When studying as a schoolboy he wrote an article about John Wilkes, a roguish figure who made good, became Lord Mayor of London and eventually retired to the IW.

His article was accepted by the magazine Wight Life, something which really pleased Neil and from that first acceptance, he never looked back.

Neil’s family was also very much involved in local life with his mother teaching at several schools and his father a councillor.

Their cat Roly also became well-known in the immediate area and, when a kitten, had to be rescued from a tree being too scared to come down.

Neil’s wife also hails from the Island.

Although Neil now lives in Berkshire, he often returns to the Island, to walk and visit familiar places.

It was while walking in the landslip and on Bonchurch downs when he devised and composed some of his earlier works.

Cat Wisdom: 60 Great Lessons You Can Learn from a Cat is his 46th publication and is available in bookshops and from online retailers. It is published by HarperThorsons.