A RETIRED college principal says he discovered the meaning of life over lunchtime conversations with his students and now he has written it all down.

Eric Middleton, who retired from Guisborough's Prior Pursglove College in 1995, has written a book called The New Flatlanders.

He said pupils would discuss everything from scientific explanations of how the universe began to philosophical issues.

"There was one group of students, who came for a year and then others followed for years after that. It showed that young people actually are interested in spiritual things. Some of them suggested I write a book on our conversations, and when I retired I thought I would do that."

The book, which costs £6.99, will be launched at Guisborough Book Shop, on Saturday.