FOR most of us the M5, is a useful stretch of road if we need to get somewhere as quickly as possible. For Bewdley coach driver Julian Phillips, it’s "a glory".

In fact, Julian is so taken with this 163-mile long stretch of road, he’s written a book about it.

The Glorious M5 is a work that came out of the pandemic and the fact that restrictions left Julian furloughed and with time on his hands.

As a coach driver with Phillips International Travel in Bewdley, he was furloughed from March to early July because lockdown prevented his normal tours.

He used the opportunity to write the book whilst also home-schooling his four children.

The book is based on the commentary that he provides on his journeys, pointing out the places and sights of interest.

Aptly the book is divided into 31 sections, matching the road’s 31 junctions.

It provides information about places of historic significance or unique attractions in their vicinity. It features key sights and towns throughout Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Devon.

Mr Phillips said: “When the lockdown first hit, it was devastating for my family and I, not knowing when the family business would be able to fulfil a tour and begin earning once again.

“By April, it was clear lockdown was not going to end any time soon and so I was keen to start a project that I would look back on as a positive for 2020.

“On all of our company’s tours, we provide a commentary for the entirety of the journey, pointing out places and sights of interest. As the M5 is probably the motorway that I drive on most often, it made sense to write about that. Its 163 miles provide a great deal of material to write about. I am confident that there is something in the book for all travellers to enjoy”.

The Glorious M5 can be ordered from all good book stores and features colour photographs taken by Julian.