A RETIRED headteacher is celebrating a double achievement – opening his first solo art exhibition and launching his first book on Kindle.

Keith Rowlands of Shirenewton, retired from headship after 25 years in 2007 and instead of taking time out to relax he forged a new career as an author and artist.

The former head of The Dell School in Chepstow and Trellech Primary is holding his exhibition between November 25 and January 6 at the gallery of the Brockweir Shop.

He said: "While I have exhibited in galleries in the past, particularly in the 1970s before the responsibilities of headship gave me less time, this is my first solo exhibition. I am pleased that the art committee have invited me to display my land and seascapes in such a delightful setting in an area I know so well."

Earlier in the year Keith launched his first book on Kindle and Kindle Fire, Noah and an Almighty Flood, and celebrated a double first – having just received his first royalties for the book from Amazon.

"It is difficult to make a "splash" when there are hundreds and thousands of titles on Kindle, but I have received four and five star reviews and people have written to me and used such phrases as, "fantastic" and "couldn't stop laughing". A book club member approached me the other day and said that her only complaint was that it came to an end. According to Amazon's records, Noah and an Almighty Flood has even been downloaded in the USA and it is pleasing to think that Noah, God bless him, has figuratively speaking crossed the Atlantic."

The book describes how Noah grapples with the problems of building the Ark, dealing with an irreverent wife, an Ark he cannot steer and with a family and animals he cannot control.

"I would love to see Noah published in book form and so if I can attract a publisher, I will offer a seascape in return," he added.