A POPULAR figure in the Southbourne community spent his 86th birthday yesterday signing copies of his new book which shares the tales of his life.

Pensioner Ron Hands has published his book ‘Life and Times of Uncle Ron’ so that future generations in his family can learn about his experiences and memorable moments.

The detailed memoirs of the former Royal Bath Hotel doorman are available online, with all proceeds going to fund the purchase of a defibrillator in Southbourne.

Starting out with his childhood in south London and telling the details of his time in the capital during the Blitz, which saw him get buried alive, to serving in the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade and working at one of the largest hotels in Bournemouth, Mr Hands leaves no stone unturned.

While praise has not been in short supply, the debut author said the book simply tells the story of an ordinary man going about his life.

"The idea started four or five years ago when a media school came down to the ex-serviceman's club in Southbourne. They wanted to talk about the Second World War and I shared my experiences and the tutor said my story was a little bit of history people would find interesting," he said.

"I don't know how my grandfather and great-grandfather lived and I wanted to make sure that wasn't the case for my grandchildren.

"I went from 1932 right through to present day. I wrote it for my family and after someone suggested publishing it I decided any proceeds should go to a local charity."

In the time he was been writing the book, Mr Hands had to battle against ill-health, which included requiring CPR and the use of a defibrillator after suffering a cardiac arrest as his doctor's surgery. He only recently was given the all clear after two separate operations.

Following his recovery he described himself as "Mr Lucky" and these experiences helped him choose the cause to give funds to from the book.

"An effort is being made to get a defibrillator in Southbourne and I decided to donate everything raised from my book to it to help other people.

"People seem to like the book. I'm not an author, I'm just an ordinary grandad who wanted to provide a complete history to my grandchildren and their grandchildren.

"I achieved what I set out to by writing my story for my family from the heart and if people fancy reading it, the book talks about what life was like in the 20th and 21st century by Uncle Ron."