Penally resident Dave Laming is about to release 'Whiskers and Rum' - a book giving an account of his life experiences and tales through the eyes of one of his furry friends - with sales revenue going to Greenacres Animal Rescue centre, inspired by his love for animals.

The book ‘Whiskers and Rum’ is based on Dave’s past life ’naughties’ both in the Royal Navy in the 1960s/70s, and nearly 30 years working and living on the Avon and Kennet Canal, before moving to Penally village, which sits nearby the seaside town of Tenby.

The humorous tales of canal life based on the memoirs of ‘Cap’n Dave’ featured in the book are seen through the eyes of his cat Molly.

“My cat Molly was always with me even when building narrowboats, so it seemed appropriate to narrate our joint lives through her eyes,” explained Dave.

“Needless to say she is no longer with me. However a good friend, Simon Gane, once a Viz magazine cartoonist captured her perfectly for my book.

“The idea to donate all the book sales revenue to Greenacres came to me, an ardent animal lover and most importantly my two rescued mutts - ‘Cupid and Comet’ came from there.”

A couple of months ago, Dave’s local, The Cross Inn removed his favourite tipple Guinness, but after much ‘lobbying’ the Guinness is set to return, and has inspired the author’s very own book launch and signing at the pub!

“My depression became so very deep as the Guinness pump was but a mere 187.35 metres from my cottage front door!” laughed Dave.

In joyful recognition, Dave has even revamped a short story he wrote some years ago ‘The Race against Time’.

“Even Guinness themselves indicated they might use it for an advert, but I never followed it up,” explained Dave.

“Thus the reason for selecting the first Saturday after the Guinness once again flows in Penally’s Cross Inn!”

The book published by Amazon, will be launched at The Cross Inn on Saturday, July 4, at 3pm, with all sales (£10 a copy) on the day going to Greenacres Animal Rescue.