A TV programme maker turned author has published a novel which features Bury and is set in the future in a world where the care system has collapsed.

Colin Philpott has previously written three non-fiction books about 20th century history and worked for the BBC for 25 years as a journalist, programme maker and senior executive.

His first novel "Deathday" is his first work of fiction and is set in a world where everyone’s life must end at the age of 90.

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The novel is set in 2045 England where euthanasia is compulsory at the age of 90.

The story shows that some people agree with the law and comply. But others disagree and try to evade it.

Severe economic depression in the wake of the "great pandemic" and Brexit, a collapse in the care system and inter-generational conflict had changed attitudes to death and old age.

One of the three main characters lives in Manchester and the final part of the novel takes place in Bury at Fairfield General Hospital.

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A big TV debate about whether the law should be changed takes place at Media City and an emotional scene unfolds at Bridgewater Hall.

As well as Greater Manchester, the novel is also set in several different parts of the country including Northumberland, Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and London.

Colin lived in Bury for 15 years in the 1980s and 1990s in the Tottington and Holcombe Brook areas when he was a reporter.

His three children were also born in Bury.

Colin said: “I was inspired to write this novel after witnessing the differing end of life experiences of members of my own family and also my experience as a volunteer with a food delivery and befriending charity.

“I am not advocating compulsory euthanasia, but I do believe society needs to create a higher quality of life in old age and radically rethink our approach to end of life care.”

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Managing director of Fisher King Publishing, Rick Armstrong, added: “We’re delighted to be publishing Colin Philpott’s debut novel.

“When I first read the manuscript, it was clear that the basis of the narrative is highly thought provoking, tackling very pressing contemporary issues in an interesting and clever way.”

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