BEST selling author Peter James hit the streets with The Argus crime reporter yesterday to research his new book.

The pair took in a trial at crown court before knocking on doors in Brighton in search of a scoop.

But our Rachel Millard did more than just show Peter how a journalist in 2016 goes about her work.

She also acted as inspiration for his books' fictional attractive reporter, Siobhan Sheldrake.

Mr James said: "I wanted to come to The Argus because the interaction between Roy Grace and his team and the newspaper is an essential part of every major crime enquiry in every Roy Grace novel.

"I thought it would be good to have a refresher visit after quite a long period of time.

"Also because Glenn Branson (Grace's sidekick) whose estranged wife died in an earlier novel, is now in love with a reporter called Siobhan Sheldrake and I have been looking for the right character to base her on so I could describe her accurately in future books."

He is working on the 13th novel in the Roy Grace series - inspired by Brighton detective Dave Gaylor - Love You Dead.

Mr James, who regularly accompanies police for his research, said he was amazed at the various stories reporters have to deal with in the course of a single day.

He added: "It is really interesting to see how important it is for reporters still to get out and about and go door-stopping.

"In that sense, instincts, tenacity and shoe-leather have not been replaced by technology as the true heart of accurate reporting.

"It is a real joy to see this newspaper so well run, with so many really good reporters.

"It has always been my belief that every town and every city needs a strong and respected local newspaper, to not only report accurately on all the events happening and affecting the city, but also to hold to account all public services."

Mr James, who live near Henfield, is also working on a non-fiction book, co-written with Graham Bartlett, the former chief superintendent and Brighton and Hove commander, featuring the real-life cases that inspired the Roy Grace series.

Death Comes Knocking - Policing Roy Grace's Brighton is due out on July 14.

Love You Dead is due out on May 19