AUTHOR David Winpenny has turned a childhood fascination with a local landmark into a book that has taken him the length and breadth of the country.

Up to a Point – In Search of Pyramids in Britain and Ireland identifies almost 200 pyramids of all sizes and ages throughout the British Isles.

It has taken the author six years of research and writing, as well as travelling from the north of Scotland to Cornwall, and from Norfolk to County Mayo.

Mr Winpenny’s inspiration was the pyramid to Charles Piazzi Smyth, former Astronomer Royal for Scotland and believer in the powers of the Great Pyramid of Egypt.

He is buried beneath his own pyramid in Sharow, near Ripon, and for Mr Winpenny it was the start of a trail that led to some fascinating stories and to some of the most unexpected places.

"I’ve known the Piazzi Smyth pyramid since I was at school," said Mr Winpenny, a writer and PR consultant and Chairman of Ripon Civic Society.

"I knew that there were other pyramids in Britain, and I thought they’d make an interesting small book.

"As it was, more and more turned up, so now it runs to 400 pages. It’s been fascinating to do the research and the journeys – and to meet so many interesting people on the way, too, who have been very keen on the quest."

Up to a Point will be launched at St John’s Church in Sharow on July 3 at 7.30pm. Mr Winpenny will give a brief talk, illustrated by some of the many pictures in the book, and there will be wine and a chance to buy signed copies of the book.

The book, which is published by Sessions of York at £24.95, is also available, postage and packing free, from www.uptoapoint.co.uk