AWARD-winning actor Tom Conti launched his new literary career in Worcester.

Mr Conti last night gave a talk at Ottakar's bookstore, in The Shambles, to promote his debut novel The Doctor.

It was the first event he had held to publicise the book, a love story about a spy who cannot avoid his haunting past.

He told his audience that he did not know where the inspiration came from to write the novel.

"My essay was always the worst at school so it was a great surprise I started this and finished it," said Mr Conti, who starred in the hit 1989 film Shirley Valentine and has won an Olivier award for his stage acting.

He admitted the only reason the original manuscript was read by a publisher was because of his reputation but added that he wants to write more.

"I enjoy the experience and I've got a couple of books that are sitting there waiting for the moment to start them."