A BUS driver has published his first book, a crime thriller.

Go-Ahead driver Gary Copeland’s The Killer Within is available to buy now.

Set in Durham, Chester-le-Street and surrounding areas, the story begins with a brutal murder.

As more killings follow, police involvement is suspected and memories return to a murderer, dubbed The Mutilator, supposedly already dead for several years.

Mr Copeland, 48, from Stanley, County Durham, took three years to write the book, having previously written only short stories for his children.

He said: “I’m chuffed to bits, especially give the response I’m getting.”

The book has won favourable reviews online.

Mr Copeland already has a plot line for his next novel and ideas for several more.

The Killer Within is published by Feed a Read, priced £8.99.

Mr Copeland will sign copies at The Bookcase, Front Street, Chester-le-Street, on Saturday, November 10, from 11am to 2pm.