A REDDITCH author is hoping to make his book a runaway success after being nominated for a prestigious award.

Doug Richards, aged 67, is up for a prize for his book Running Hot & Cold in the publications category of the 2016 Running Awards, which recognises the best contributions in the field of running.

Mr Richards, who is veteran runner, describes in the book his running adventures and how they have enriched his life and helped him through tough times.

He is hoping to make it into the top 12, which will be announced after December 4.

"The nomination for the Running Awards, which celebrate the best in running culture, is the icing on the cake," Mr Richards said.

"It is not a training book that will turn you into a faster runner but rather a story of how the simple art of running has enriched my life, bought me many amazing adventures and carried me through some of life’s tougher moments.

"I have had fantastic feedback and reviews from runners and non-runners alike."

The award ceremony is taking place at the O2 arena in London next April.

Mr Richards is also celebrating the success of his eBook, which will be released in paperback in March next year.

He added: “There are many, myself included, who still like to hold a hard copy of a book, in their hand and keep it on a bookshelf, so the news of a paperback release next spring is really exciting."

To vote for the book visit therunningawards.com/#vote and then click on publications followed by book and then select Running Hot & Cold.