A FORMER Argus journalist is to follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough, Michael Palin and Nigella Lawson by giving a talk The Chepstow Bookshop.

Steve Howell, 60, who has lived in Newport for 20 years, was a journalist with the Argus between 1993 and 1994 and also went on to work for the BBC.

Mr Howell, a one-time athlete with Newport Harriers, has tackled the issues of drugs in sport and the rapid spread of steroid abuse for image-enhancing body-building in his debut novel, Over the Line, which was published in March.

His book tells the story of how the ambitions of Megan Edwards, Britain’s poster girl for the 2016 Rio Olympics, are threatened by a drugs scandal and a police investigation into the steroid-linked death of an old school friend.

As part of his ongoing promotion of the book, Mr Howell has been giving a range of talks at bookshops across Wales and he will visit The Chepstow Bookshop on September 10.

He said: “For a debut novelist the challenge is to get the book seen and sold. It’s been especially encouraging that people have been going into bookshops asking for it based on word of mouth recommendation – that’s the best endorsement any author could wish for.

“I did an event for a Cardiff book club two weeks ago and it gives you a real buzz to discuss the book with people who are enthusiastic about it and talk about the story and the characters as if they are very real to them.

“I’ve got five more events in the pipeline and I’m really pleased about The Chepstow Bookshop event because they are so highly respected among authors and book lovers, and they attract some of the top names.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with how it’s going. It’s so hectic and I need to watch out that I leave enough time to start the next one.”

Matthew Taylor, owner of The Chepstow Bookshop, added: “We’re delighted to have Steve here for his debut book and drugs in sport is a very topical issue.

“Over the Line, and the poster, have arrived and it’s on all our mailing lists.

“We have a big programme of events planned of the autumn and more authors will be announced soon.”

Over The Line is now on sale in Waterstones, WH Smith and numerous independent bookshops in Wales. It’s also available online via www.gwales,com site and www.steve-howell.com.