A TAUNTON resident is proving that it is never too late to chase your dreams.

Robert Harriman, a first-time author at 71, is showing that later life can be full of new possibilities.

In partnership with Retirement Marketplace Lottie, Mr Harriman, now 72, shares his experience of writing and publishing his first book, Executed: But Was James Hanratty Innocent?.

Now a homeowner at Platinum Skies Retirement Village in Taunton, he said: "The advantage of being retired is that you have more control over your time than when employed".

Mr Harriman achieved a first-class degree in forensic computing in 2009.

During this time, he studied the controversial case of James Hanratty, one of the last people to receive capital punishment in the UK before it was outlawed in 1965.

Though he was concerned that justice had not been served, Mr Harriman could only scratch the surface of the case during his university studies.

He continued his research in the following years until retirement gave him the perfect opportunity to take matters into his own hands.

(Image: Lottie) When asked about the rewards of his project, he said they were: "The sense of achievement, and also the fact that the research and writing have kept my brain active and exercised."

Although retirement meant Mr Harriman had the time to devote to his research, writing a book and finding a publisher was still a completely new experience.

He said: "I was astonished that the first publisher I approached immediately said yes.

"This is almost unheard of, but I was lucky in that the editor I sent it to knew that it would really interest the publisher, and she was right."

Now, a year after publishing, Mr Harriman shows no sign of slowing down.

He remains committed to overturning the Hanratty case, sharing: "This project wasn't about personal kudos, but correcting a miscarriage which has not yet happened, so my work is not yet finished."

As he plans his next, but "very different" book, he wants to encourage others to think the same way: "There's little you can't achieve if you really put your mind to it.

"Use your age and experience as aides, not barriers."

To aspiring writers and retirees in Somerset and beyond, Mr Harriman's message is clear: "Absolutely go for it!

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

"If you have an idea that is niggling away at you, then take some time to flesh it out and ignore the naysayers."