A retired Oxfordshire man has proved the theory that everyone has a book in him.

Frank Schofield turned author to write a book on the Falklands War - and received praise for his efforts from ex-Governor of the Islands, Sir Rex Hunt.

His only reason for writing The Falklands' Watcher was an interest in military history and a fascination with the campaign 18 years ago.

Mr Schofield, 73, of Well Hill, Finstock, retired ten years ago after working in the flour milling industry. The book details the build-up of problems with Argentina and the subsequent war from the standpoint of "an ordinary British citizen who is proud of his heritage". He added: "I believe that no country could have made more effort to avoid a military conflict than we did, but when it could not be avoided our armed forces performed brilliantly."

Mr Schofield was delighted when the ex-Governor of the Falklands Sir Rex Hunt agreed to write the foreword for the book which was largely written one year after the end of the war in 1983, but took until recently to formulate and be published.

He said he has always been interested in all things naval and military.

The Falklands War captured his imagination and he became a keen observer, keeping a day-to-day diary of events as they unfolded in the media. After Argentina surrendered Mr Schofield witnessed the return of the task force and was one of the thousands who turned out to watch the victory parade in the City of London.

In 1998, he and his wife went to the Falkland Islands to see for themselves the places that they had only known by name since 1982.

The Falklands' Watcher is published by Brewin Books and is priced 12.95. It is available from Ottakers Bookshop in Witney.