The secret location of the mythical island of Atlantis has finally been solved - according to Leigh author Andrew Collins.

Over the years, philosophers, historians and explorers have debated the reality of Atlantis and have searched in vain for its whereabouts - until now.

Mr Collins believes that he has finally unravelled the puzzle of Atlantis and is about to reveal the true location for the first time.

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato gave a fabulous account of an island empire located far out in the Atlantic Ocean that he called Atlantis.

Mr Collins said: "All I can say for the moment is that Plato's Atlantis alludes clearly to the tropical regions of the Bahamas and Caribbean, which have always been used as stepping stones to reach the American mainland.

"It is only by studying the myths, legends and history of these islands that we can begin to build up a picture of exactly what Plato was saying all that time ago."

The three year quest by Mr Collins to find Atlantis has not been plain sailing, either, embroiling him in situations closer to the lifestyle of movie hero Indiana Jones than a Leigh author.

He said: "Diving in the Bahamas looking for underwater remains I was chased and harassed by a particularly ferocious barracuda that finally pinned me against coral.

"On another occasion I found myself trekking through crocodile-infested swamps in the Caribbean as vultures circled overhead.

"It was a closed military zone and I just remember thinking that I would rather be back in Leigh, enjoying a nice curry with my partner."

Admission to the lecture at Southend Library at 7.30pm on February 24 is £3 on the door and Mr Collins" new book, Gateway to Atlantis is on sale from February 17.

Author - Andrew Collins

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