A Wiltshire Council officer is making a global name for himself in the world of publishing.

Simon Marton, 49, an asset strategy officer with the local authority, is a former airline steward.

He has just self published a book on Amazon, called Journey of a Reluctant Air Steward, revealing insider secrets on flying.

The father-of-four from Radstock joined the airline industry in 1996 as a male steward with Caledonian Airways.

As he worked his way up the career ladder, he also flew with Air 2000, now known as First Choice Airways, and BA City Flyer, all out of Gatwick.

Mr Marton starts with the tale of a young man’s foray into the airline industry, coming in without any qualifications nor any experience.

As the story progresses, he recounts getting trained, developing his skills, and climbing up the ranks.

All the while, he gives detailed observations on his surroundings, unusual facts and the difference between charter and scheduled services.

He adds: "It's as much about a young man stumbling into middle age and mishaps as it is about travel."

Mr Marton worked in the airline industry for four and a half years until 2000, before embarking on an 11-year break.

During that period, he worked as a chef, restaurant manager, drum teacher, mediator and studied law.

He went back into the industry in 2011 to work on British Airways mainline flights out of Heathrow, flying all over the world.

He eventually decided to retire from the industry to work for the council and as a drum teacher.

Mr Marton said: "Since its release its content has been picked up by The Express, Daily Star and numerous international websites.

"I have also been interviewed by BBC Radio Wiltshire and two radio stations in Bristol and Bath.

"I was featured in The Sunday Times and am promoting it in the UK and the USA ."