A FAMOUS actor has been giving a helping hand to his one-time flat mate who has just launched a new book of poetry.

Kevin Whately, known as Sgt Lewis in Inspector Morse and for his screen role in The English Patient, has supported North Yorkshire county councillor Paul Richardson from Littlethorpe, near Ripon, who has just published his second book of poetry.

Whately, who is also known for his appearances in television's Auf Wiedersehen Pet, as well as Peak Practice, has never lost touch with his former house-mate and stepped forward to help launch the latest poetic offerings.

Coun Richardson, who represents the Masham and Fountains area at county hall, recalled his flat-sharing days in Newcastle with Whately.

"I'm delighted he has come up with a foreword for the book and that he likes what I've done," said Coun Richardson.

The pair were articled to accountants in Newcastle during the Sixties but then went their separate ways.

Whately says his old friend's poetry "represents feelings that are understandable and identifiable in us all."

Coun Richardson, 56, was spurred on to write poetry because of childhood observations of his life in a vicarage when his father Jack was a clergyman at Mitford in Northumberland.

Most of the councillor's early work was inspired by the sea because he came from a family with strong Royal Navy links.

His latest book, A New Beginning, includes poetry about the Native Americans, and the Warriors of the Great Plains.

John Fusco, writer of The Young Guns, has sent a supportive message for the latest book launch saying: "Paul's love and respect for the native world view is palpable in the writings."

The councillor will be signing copies of the book from 10am-3pm on Saturday, December 4, at The House of Stratus book shop in Ripon.

Meanwhile, one of the councillor's most popular poems, Talulah, about a native American, is already oft recited at weddings because of its romantic appeal.