A WEST Cumbrian man has published a book written by his father decades ago, giving the proceeds to charity. 

Gerard McCarten, of Whitehaven, published a book last year detailing stories that were written by his father Jim about working in mines in Whitehaven. 

Money raised from sales of the book has been donated to the West Cumbria Society for the Blind and Hospice at Home West Cumbria. 

Both charities were delighted with the donation of £75 each which will be used to fund their vital services. 

Mr McCarten said: "Before my Dad died he was encouraged to write memoirs about his time spent down the pits. 

"He died in 1988 and I always wanted to put his writings into print. So last year I put the wheels in motion and sent the text off to the publishers. 

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"The book went on sale not for profit but to raise money for two important charities. Together with the sale of the book we've managed to raise £150."

Gerard's late wife began to suffer from sight loss in her 40s and was supported greatly by the team at West Cumbria Society for the Blind. 

Marie Scott, a volunteer for over three decades and president of West Cumbria Society for the Blind said: "We're so grateful, it's very kind of Gerard to think about us.

"As far as we know there are 7,000 people in West Cumbria with sight loss, the work we do here is so important because there is nowhere else in the area that you can go for help."

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Patrick Mitchell, development manager at the society, said: "We'd like to thank Gerard for his efforts and very generous donation. We're very grateful and rely on the donations of people locally to keep our vital services going. So it is very much appreciated."