Actor, presenter and now author Larry Lamb reveals why the written word – particularly verse – has always meant so much to him

Best books… Richard Holmes The biographer chooses five ...

As a child reading was my refuge from a difficult time. I could read from a very early age and being able to escape into the pages of a book had a huge impact on my life. Swallows & Amazons by Arthur

Dear Simon, Reading Larry Brayshaw’s letter, A Knockout Visit, in the July issue, reminded me of the time I also met a British heavyweight boxer. Dick Richardson was based in Staines and we would meet

Bob Cooper of Macclesfield, Cheshire remembers: From an early age, I have always loved reading and writing. My best subject at school was English to the detriment of maths, and I managed to become top

The 5 Live DJ on the joys of fatherhood, the downside of modelling — and crying on air