WHEN Bolton's David Watkinson offered his first book to publishers, he was hit with a resounding -- YES!

Hours spent shut away in his bedroom as a teenager listening to music finally paid off for the 42-year-old father when he landed a publishing deal.

David last appeared in the BEN in 1980 proudly showing off his extensive collection of records and memorabilia for rock group Yes. Today he is awaiting the biography he has just completed of the band to hit the shelves of stores throughout the country.

The book, "Perpetual Change: 30 Years of Yes", even tempted band member Rick Wakeman to put pen to paper by writing the foreword.

David, who owns a training and development business and now lives in West Sussex, said: "I have always been a big fan and started a big collection when I was a youngster in Bolton.

"It was coming up to the group's 30th anniversary and when I could not see any other commemorative books being put together to mark the occasion, I decided to do it myself."

David put together his plans for the book and submitted them to publishing houses and it was immediately accepted by one.

He said: "Rick Wakeman did the foreword for me -- and it is the first time he has ever agreed to do that for a book on the group.

"I also got agreement to use the official imagery of the band from the artist, Richard Dean.

Clubs

"The book should be of particular interest to people living in the Bolton area because lead singer Jon Anderson is from Accrington. He started in a group called The Warriors which used to tour around the clubs in Bolton.

"I have included 40 years of tour dates in the book and lists of all the records the band has released. In addition, there is the group's biography."

David has dedicated the book to his eight-year-old son, Charles. He said: "He has special needs and I dedicated the book to him to show him anything is possible.

"I am extremely excited about the book going on sale. It took four years to write and was very hard work because I was holding down a full-time job at the same time.

"I cannot see that I would contemplate writing a second book -- I value my marriage too much!"

The book, published by Plexus Publishing Ltd, is due out next month, priced £14.99.