Disillusioned with conventional travel guides, Jim Simpson decided to research and publish his own.

He gave up his job after 30 years with London Underground to devote time to the project.

Mr Simpson has already published Stroll Back in Time guides to districts of London and is about to start Bath, York and Southwark.

Arundel is planned for early next year.

Each guide is on CD or cassette, constructed as a stroll around the specified area.

A central character "meets" the visitor at a start point and "accompanies" him or her to various stopping-off locations where dramatisations with actors, special effects and music bring history to life.

He said: "I've generally found with group guided tours you tend to concentrate on following the crowd and aiming to be near the tour guide as they deliver their monologue. It always seemed a bit hurried.

"Bus tours and other alternatives just did not engage me. I wanted something entertaining and historically accurate.

"My idea for a new and unique product changes the concept of guided tours.

"It also offers the visitor, including wheelchair users, the additional value and benefit of quality information and entertainment."

To get his project off the ground, Mr Simpson produced a comprehensive business plan which included a personal skills plan.

He attended a three-day business start-up course at The Enterprise Centre in Worthing.

"Although I had been responsible for 1,500 people and accountable for a £30 million budget, I needed to take a fresh and informed approach to starting from scratch with my own business.

"I've kept in contact and attended one-day seminars which have been priceless."

Mr Simpson can be contacted on 01903 859176.