FOLLOWERS of the cancelled but much-loved television series Heartbeat face another blow – the books that inspired it are also coming to an end.

Nicholas Rhea has penned the last of the popular Constable series – although he has promised his protagonist will be back in another guise.

Constable Over The Hill will be published at the end of this month – the last of 35 books that began with Constable On the Hill back in 1979.

The author made his decision after the 1960s-set ITV series – mainly filmed in Goathland – came to an end last year after 18 years and 372 episodes.

The latest book records the hero’s transfer to a new post, which in turn heralds the closure of the rural beat in fictional Aidensfield.

Nicholas Rhea is the penname of former North Yorkshire police inspector Peter Walker, who was the force press officer when he retired in 1982, after nearly 30 years of service.

“When Heartbeat came to its sudden end, I felt it wise to bring closure to the Constable series,” he said at his home in Ampleforth, near Helmsley.

“This means I can explore new ideas for Constable Nick.”

Constable Over the Hill will be published by Robert Hale on May 31. The author will be signing advance copies at Holman’s Bookshop in Skinner Street, Whitby, from noon to 2pm on Saturday.