An award-winning sports journalist has penned a book about Carlisle United to help raise cash for the county's NHS.

Cumbrian sports reporter, Jon Colman, has written Bolts from the Blues, which will be published by Vertical Editions later this year.

The book chronicles 40 memorable goals in the club's long history - and a donation from each copy sold will be made to the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Covid-19 appeal.

Jon, who has covered Carlisle United for the News & Star since 2005 and has since won many industry awards, said: "When the coronavirus led to the sudden suspension of football in March, nostalgia filled the immediate void for many supporters.

"Favourite games and goals were unearthed, and revisiting these great moments enabled fans to stay in touch with their faith.

"It was at this time, and in this spirit, that I had the idea for Bolts From The Blues.

"I wanted to write something that captured some of the goals that got Carlisle fans off their seats - moments that were memorable for different reasons.

"As much as possible, I wanted to do this through the eyes of the players involved.

"As a Carlisle fan as well as a reporter on the Cumbrians, writing it has been a labour of love.

But it has also been motivated by an important cause, as all my author royalties will be donated to the trust through their Covid-19 appeal - a small contribution in recognition of the true heroes who have put themselves at great risk to help people and save lives in our community.

"I am delighted to be working with Danny Hall and Vertical Editions on the book and hope Carlisle fans will enjoy it."

From Murray to Murphy, Halpin to Hawley, Rafferty to Reeves, Wake to Winstanley, Poskett to Pericard, Bridges to Branthwaite and Grainger to Glass, these are goals that inspired Carlisle United supporters - told by the stars who scored them.

The trust, which runs hospitals such as the Cumberland Infirmary, in Carlisle, and the West Cumberland Hospital, in Whitehaven, is running the appeal to support doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and other support staff who are working round the clock during the crisis.

So far it has raised £45,309 through its JustGiving page.

Bolts from the Blues is priced at £14.99 and will be available from October.

It is available to pre-order online now at www.verticaleditions.com/new-book-bolts-from-the-blues

Anyone who would like to contribute to the JustGiving page for the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust can do so here.