TEACHER Tony Hill is launching a book telling how he dealt with his wife’s death - by cycling all the way to the Shetland Isles.

Tony, who lives in Brecon, said he wants his book ’Hill’s Ups and Downs Sorrow and Smiles 1,000 miles to the Shetland Isles’ to be a tribute to his late wife Cherie.

The couple lived in Merthyr when Cherie died, aged just 41, from cancer - and Tony packed a backpack and started his epic 23 day journey.

"I wanted to write it as a tribute to Cherie, so that she will be remembered, and also as a reminder I did that journey on my own and met lots of people on the way. It’s a way of sharing that journey with other people," said Tony.

The 61-year-old, who has been working part-time at Gwernyfed High School in Three Cocks, is launching his book this Sunday, June 5 at The Castle Hotel, Brecon at 2pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend the free event.

See the Brecon & Radnor Express on sale from Wednesday for the full story.