Book proceeds to benefit Honiton community centre project - thanks to author’s support.

A novelist is to donate all the UK income from his latest crime fiction book to the Beehive Community Centre project in Honiton.

Former local councillor Alan Tootill, who now lives in Italy, says income generated between now and the end of September from the latest in his Martin Cole series of books will go to the Honiton Town Council-led development.

“Now that it is finally confirmed that the Beehive project is going ahead, I want to make my contribution - even if from long distance,” Mr Tootill told the Midweek Herald.

“The project has been dear to my heart for many years.”

Mr Tootill is well-known in Honiton, but is now based in Puglia.

His Martin Cole books are based in the fictional East Devon town of Roselake.

He denies that Roselake is based on any particular town, but thinks readers will find the books have a definite flavour of the area.

The novels are a blend of crime fiction and humour.

Mr Tootill said: “Four of my books are on sale in digital format on amazon.co.uk, or - even more benefit for the Beehive - direct from my own website alantootill.com.

“They’re at very attractive introductory prices and I think this is a great way for people to buy enjoyable summer reading and know the money is going to a good local cause.”