THURSDAY December 5 is the date set for the launch of a new book that details the life of a National Serviceman from the Forest of Dean in the 1950s.

Evan Rosser was a young Forest of Dean forestry worker during that decade, who lived an 'idyllic rural life' in the village of Ellwood until his world changed radically when his call-up papers arrived.

His book, 'A Broad Forester Abroad', describes in detail the life and adventures of a conscript in the Royal Engineers telling of comradeship, barrack room humour, army drill, parades, pranks, and the long sea voyages that took him to peace-keeping duties in far flung places.

The book launch takes place at the Forest Bookshop, St John Street, Coleford, and starts at 6.30pm. Admission is free.