Broadcaster and Writer Brian Cleeve, who lived in Shankill from 1999 until his death in 2003, has been immortalised in the memoir, Faithful Servant, written by Shankill man Jim Bruce.

Some readers may remember Cleeve's appearances on RTE in the 1960s on such programmes as Broadsheet, Discovery and most notably the weekly current affairs show 7 Days, but Bruce also writes of Brian's periods as an international spy, anti-apartheid activist and best-selling author.

On 7 Days, Brian and his colleagues often exposed issues of public interest, usually to the chagrin of the Catholic Church and various political parties.

The controversy created by the broadcasting team eventually led to tighter editorial control and a move for Cleeve to other less contentious programmes.

'Brian Cleeve led an eventful and multi-faceted life' says author Jim Bruce. 'He is someone whose life story, I felt, could inspire others who had not even heard of him.'

An accomplished novelist, poet and short-story writer with a successful career in broadcasting, Cleeve had a wealth of unconventional interests including fencing and a deep fascination with languages.

Jim Bruce has worked in banking, and for several years ran his own marketing business. This is his first book. He is Chairman of the Shankill Classical Music Club, with which he has been involved since its inauguration in 2004.

Faithful Servant, A Memoir of Brian Cleeve is published by Lulu Press and available from www.lulu.com