Book role based on county businessman

THRILLER writer Frederick Forsyth has revealed one of the main characters in his new book is named after a Northamptonshire businessman.

Before the publication of The Afghan in August, Mr Forsyth gave fans the chance to bid for the right to have their names included in the book.

The on-line auction raised almost £100,000 for charity and the author has revealed the character of special forces officer, Captain Michael Linnett is actually named after a county man.

In an interview with German magazine, Der Spiegel, the author said: "I got about £100,000 for different charities.