SHUNNING computers in favour of his old-but-faithful typewriter, a Haringey historian has swapped writing the borough's past for his own life story.

Ken Gay, 86, of Alexandra Park Road, president of the Hornsey Historical Society, has penned more than 12 books including Palace on the Hill, about local landmark Alexandra Palace, and Muswell Hill Revisited.

The book was the number one Christmas bestseller at Muswell Hill bookshop, in Fortis Green Road, when it was published in 2006.

But as he approaches his twilight years, the keen author has now published a frank account of his journey from an East End boy of humble beginnings, through post-war Britain and to a successful film career making documentaries for the National Coal Board.

In the book Hand in Hand With Time, the author also muses over his personal side: having his heart broken for the first time, falling in love with his wife Teresa, who taught at Tetherdown Primary School, as well as the treasured friends he met along the way.

The history buff said he depended on scribblings from the pocket book he has kept for most of his life, which enables him to "tell you what I did on any given day", letters he has lovingly preserved and a selection of his favourite pictures, to create his memoirs.

Mr Gay, who graduated from LSE with a bachelor's degree in economics, said: "When you look back on your life it is the people, not events, you remember. Without friends to laugh with, to trust with your problems, or swap stories with, a life can be a very sad one.

"I wanted to write something for my children that they could rely on to be factually correct or anybody who wanted to take a trip through someone else's life. Other people's lives are so fascinating, aren't they?

"I have left nothing out. I'm ashamed of nothing I have done in my life. I quite like to think I've done nothing to be ashamed of. I liked a girl who didn't like me back and, yes, I was frustrated. I've written about it. That's what life is about. Without honesty, what have you got?"

He added: "I know it's a bit cheeky but I've thrown in some of my poetry as well. It's never been published so I thought, 'Why not? Who's going to stop an 86-year-old man?'".

Lightheartedly referring to himself as an "old dinosaur", the man who relishes the act of putting a fountain pen to blue notepaper, said he has watched the "incredible pace of change" of modern life over the past thirty years with wonder.

He said: "I was already about 60 when they introduced computers and mobile phones. I'll be honest, though, I do find the internet isolating. I don't have a computer by choice but anytime I'm enjoying something on the tv or radio, you're also told to 'get more details' online. The world no longer seems to cater for those who don't use the web.

"I grew up in a totally different time. Outhouse toilet. No heat. No running water. Perhaps this is what younger generations will find interesting in my book."

The popular resident, who joined the Hornsey Historical Society in 1976, which he chaired for many years, before becoming president.

Ans since his wife's death in 1997, Mr Gay said the friends he made through the society have presented him with plenty of ways to fill his time including lectures, writing, painting, and, of course, reading.

He shares his evening meals with his son and grandaughters who live just a few doors down.

Mr Gay said: "I truly feel sorry for elderly people who don't have children or, even worse, have bad children. My son and daughter are wonderfully helpful. They have been a blessing to me.

"After my wife died, I didn't just stay at home. I went out there and made new friends. I am the kind of man who enjoys the company of women whether it's sharing a cup of tea or going to the theatre. It balances my personality. Women are fantastic. I owe them a lot."

To go down memory lane with Ken Gay, check out his latest book Hand in Hand With Time, available at Muswell Hill Bookshop