A RETIRED tree surgeon has written an inspirational book entitled My Work Was Love Made Visible.

John Hanner, who now lives in

Kingcoed near Usk, tells the fascinating adventures of his work preserving trees around the world.

The 80-year-old has worked in Nepal, Finland, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Ethiopia and countless other countries.

His job, which was already dangerous, even took him to work on trees in Iran when the country was at war with neighbouring Iraq.

Mr Hanner has also worked extensively at home in his much-loved Wales and spent 27 years working for the Welsh heritage service Cadw.

Residents of Usk would be familiar with the deodar cedar in Twyn Square.

This tree was declared dangerous in the past and was to be felled, but in 1977 Mr Hanner helped to save the tree that still stands today.

Despite all his exciting travelling and hard work, Mr Hanner remains a family man.

He describes his three daughters and wife Marie "the most precious people in the world to me" and "the motivation for whatever was achieved."

Mr Hanner's book is for sale at Raglan Post Office and Lindwalls newsagents, Usk.

All proceeds from the sale of My Work Was Love Made Visible will be going to St David's Hospice Care.

A book review will shotly be available on the Beacon's blog. Head to http://www.monbeacon.wordpress.com">www.monbeacon.wordpress.com to find out more.