A FISHERMAN turned author has penned his life story of working off the Essex coast.
Laurie Gilson, 78, has just published his first book, the Challenge of the Sea, and spent the day signing copies at Waitrose in Southend.
The book details his memories of hundreds of boats gathering in the Thames Estuary ahead of the D-Day landings.
Mr Gilson, of Rectory Chase, Southend, is from a family of fishermen and uses the family nickname of Yocky as his author name on the book.
The name dates from an incident around 150 years ago when his grandfather came a cropper while delivering eggs in Sutton Road.
His son Steven and grandson Laurie, 17, are continuing the tradition of taking to the seas to make a living.
Challenge of the Sea costs £10 per copy, and can be purchased by e-mailing Laurie on suegilson586@hotmail.com
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