An Exmouth musician has published a new book covering his life growing up in Exmouth, taking his music around the county and why Brussel Sprouts are not such a good idea while on tour.

Up And Down Like A Nun's Drawers: The Story Of An Exmouth Boy, written by local musical legend Michael Beckett, 72, is now available on Amazon as a paperback.

The book tells the story of an Exmouth man who found music and covers his life through the sounds of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

Exmouth Nub News caught up with Mike today to find out more about his new book.

"I was born in Exmouth in 1946, my mum died when I was young and my dad left but I've always had music in my life," said Michael.

"It was wonderful growing up in Exmouth. I still have friends here that I met in primary school. This is my home and it always will be, you may leave for a while but you always come home.

"My first wife read the book this week, she loved it and couldn't stop laughing. That's what I want, I want to give people something to laugh about."

Michael was given the nickname Gribbles on his first day working as a brick layer. His father ran Becketts Fish and Chips Shop in Tower Street and when his fellow workers found that out they created the nickname.

"They said, 'he's too small for a piece of fish, he must be Gribbles,' and it has stuck ever since." explained Michael.

Gribbles is slang term for scraps of batter sometimes served up as a side for fish and chips, otherwise known as scraps.

Michael added: "I'm kind of well known in the area for my music and I started writing the book just for myself but I hope people in Exmouth will read it. If you like it great, if you don't like it, throw it away. I don't mind."

"Growing up in Exmouth was lovely. It was boys being boys, chasing girls and stuff. Then music took over and my world changed."

Here's the Amazon description of Michael's book: "Stumbling through the curtains and falling off the stage into a crowd of concentrating potential prize-winners. Not the best way to start a show, especially when you aren't due to strike up for another hour or so.

"Failing to find your way back through those curtains, trying to keep your cool and desperately holding on to your only defense - the guitar stand that went with you - proved just too much for Mike 'Gribbles' Beckett.

"To bow gracefully or simply to panic? A Catch 22 situation and an embarrassing start to a music gig - which included a very apt song title.

"Find out why Brussels Sprouts are not such a good idea when on tour, what a stab in the dark really means and how fish and chips gave Mike his life-long nickname. Read how close friendship was a great support in a life of highs and lows."

There will be a book launch for Up And Down Like A Nun's Drawers on Friday, November 22, between 1pm and 3pm at The Exmouth Railway Club (GWRSA).

If you would like to find out more about the book click the red button below.