York Minster guide's book of Saints and Sinners for Sam

During lockdown last year, Malcolm Walker, 85, grandad of nine, wrote Saints and Sinners of the City of York, about the "interesting and unexpected characters and facts" he has met throughout the years researching York’s history.

Mr Walker has decided to donate all proceeds to the Down’s Syndrome Association, as his youngest grandson, Sam, 22, has the condition.

He said: “Our view of York’s sinners has been determined by 19th century author William Harris Ainsworth - Dick Turpin wasn’t a lovable rogue he was a vicious thug.

“Saints are the likes of Doctor John Snow, who has been voted the most influential doctor who ever lived by GPs.

“I was getting a bit bored and my wife, Edna, got sick of me and said: “Oh just write a book!”

“I’d never seen a book where all these characters were put together – it's the story of York, which interestingly has been a capital city more times than London throughout history. It's also a history of the UK.”

Malcolm said he isn’t interested in making any money "at his age’’ - his book has earned him over £1,000 so far and every penny is going to the Down’s Syndrome Association.

He said: “We love our grandson Sam, he’s a lovely lad, childlike in a way, and always interested in you - he’s so lovable, very popular within the family - the world needs people like Sam.”

A spokesperson from the Down’s Syndrome Association said: “We are delighted that Malcolm chose us, our members and supporters are our backbone as the money raised allows us to continue, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to Malcolm and hope that everyone enjoys reading it.

“Since March 2020, we have seen a 50 per cent increase in demand for our services yet at the same time, all our face-to-face fundraising was wiped out, we are indebted to people like Malcolm who have decided to fundraise for us in new and innovative ways.”

You can purchase Mr Walker's book online for £5 at mapiercy8.wixsite.com/mlwalker