RETIRED bus driver Thomas Elwyn Jones, a Welsh exile, misses the land of his fathers so much that he has spent 20 years writing a book about the village in which he grew up.

His slim volume called About Llangynog and Neighbouring Villages, published last autumn, is now in its fourth reprint and orders for copies from the US and Australia have been landing on the doormat of his home in Fonthill Walk, Old Walcot.

Tom, 70, still a fluent Welsh speaker, started his working life as an engine cleaner in Oswestry, North Wales and progressed to the footplate as a locomotive fireman.

When branch lines were being axed he joined London Transport as a bus driver and moved to Swindon with his English wife Stella in the 1960s and joined the Bristol Omnibus Company.

He started writing the book for his children, David and Linda who are now in their 40s.

"I've been amazed by the response the book has had," he said.

Welsh exiles and other interested parties can get copies from Tom at 19 Fonthill Walk, Swindon SN3 1AQ, price £10.