An Alconbury Weston resident has edited and published a book that has won a national award for the design of its front cover. Time Pieces, an anthology of original short stories published by 47-year-old Ian Whates of Wheatsheaf Road, has won The British

An Alconbury Weston resident has edited and published a book that has won a national award for the design of its front cover.

Time Pieces, an anthology of original short stories published by 47-year-old Ian Whates of Wheatsheaf Road, has won The British Science Fiction Award for best artwork.

Created by Hollywood artist Chris Baker, the cover consists of an image made up of part woman, part angel and part robot called Angelbot.

Ian secured the creative services of Mr Baker, who is currently working in LA on the fourth Indiana Jones film, after writing to him.

"I never expected Chris to agree but he did and he immediately came back with something that he had been doodling with on his computer. It was a striking, beautiful and haunting and I accepted it without hesitation."

His latest work includes original stories from some of the county's leading authors of fiction. He managed to secure stories from Stephen Baxter, Ian Watson, Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Liz Williams, Sarah Singleton, Steve Cockayne and Mark Robson.

The book was launched in November 2006.

Ian said: "I have never edited or published anything in my life so this was a steep learning curve but I have enjoyed it. I'm really proud of the book. The collection is diverse, surprising, very entertaining and Chris has produced a memorable image, which I was proud to have on the front cover."

INFORMATION: Time Pieces is available to buy for £9.99 plus £1.55 shipping costs within the UK from http://www.newconpress.com