A PUB enthusiast has reason to celebrate.

Graham Dover mixed business with pleasure as he researched his first book - A Pub Crawl Around Essex.

The semi-retired 60-year-old describes his new book as an unconventional guide because he delves into the history and legends of 100 favourite watering holes.

He writes about mysterious footsteps upstairs in the White Horse, Sible Hedingham, and the bell which rings when no-one is there.

He also tells of a secret tunnel at the Castle, Earls Colne, believed to have run up to the church and on to the former priory.

Mr Dover, who lives in Colne Road with partner Lorraine, said: "I love visiting different pubs and taking photos of them.

"It's fantastic to see the book with my name on."

For more information, visit www.essexpubcrawl .co.uk.

The book is available from Colne Publishing, 60 Colne Road, Halstead, CO9 2HS, tel 01787 478803, or can be bought online at colnepub lishing.com