A CUMBRIAN businessman has published his debut novel about the world of polo.

In his book An Island Fit for Horses, Michael Ashton, who lived in Kirkby Lonsdale for 15 years, spins a yarn that begins in Cumbria and climaxes on the Greek island of Ithaca.

The book tells the tale of Nick, a British entrepreneur who sells used military vehicles for a living and runs his own polo team for enjoyment.

When Nick gets the opportunity to take an extended break on Ithaca, he finds himself offering to organise a fundraising polo tournament on an island known for thousands of years as ‘unsuitable for horses’.

Not only has he chosen the most inappropriate venue, it soon becomes clear that not everyone is fully behind the game.

Mr Ashton said: “It's a book for polo lovers, horse lovers, and for those who love travel and the Greek Islands. Above all, it’s a story that's as enjoyable at home on a dark wet night as it is on the beach.”

Mr Ashton also writes professionally in press and public relations. His book is available now in paperback and kindle, from Amazon.