A RETIRED geologist is to share his fascination with the ground beneath our feet in a new Gazette column.

Starting next week, "Cumbria Rocks" will see Richard Wrigley introduce some of the county's "spectacular" geology to readers.

"I've always been really interested in geology and, having retired, I have a bit more time on my hands," said Mr Wrigley.

A keen member of Westmorland Geological Society, which meets in Kendal, he has also been doing voluntary work at Kendal Museum, which houses a wealth of minerals, fossils and rocks.

The father-of-two, who lives in Kendal, has helped to rearrange the collections at the Station Road building, with some of the samples displayed to advantage on new, brightly lit shelves.

"Where we live, we've got some spectacular geology on our doorstep," said Mr Wrigley, who hopes his monthly column will help make the subject "approachable" and spark an interest among readers in the materials that make up the Earth.

Growing up in Liverpool, he recalled how school field trips to the Lake District "sowed the seed" of his love of being in the mountains.

After university, he worked as a geologist on oil exploration for several major companies. His job took him as far afield as South America, North Africa, parts of Europe, the USA, Australia and India.

Upon retiring two years ago, Mr Wrigley and his wife Irene came to live in Kendal. He is particularly interested in the geology of Kendal Fell, Scout Scar and Whitbarrow Scar, and hopes to share his enthusiasm with Gazette readers.

Mr Wrigley is also keen to spread the word about Westmorland Geological Society, which is open to everybody, with no prior knowledge necessary.

Winter lectures take place on the third Wednesday of the month at Abbot Hall Social Centre, Kendal, starting at 8pm, with tea and coffee served. Visitors are welcome to come along, for a small fee of £2.

In the summer, members head out on organised field trips.

If you would like to find out more, see the website at www.westmorlandgeolsoc.co.uk or visit the Facebook page.