ARTHUR Ransom, 80, has lived in Trowbridge for nearly 40 years and has served on the town council for over four, including a year as mayor from 2005 to May this year.

A widower for seven years, a grandfather of 11 and also a great grandfather, he is a trustee of several voluntary groups in the town including Voluntary Action West Wilts, Carers support West Wilts and the Monday/Wednesday Club.

What do you like most about living in Wiltshire?

Wiltshire is an interesting county, with different areas of terrain, including large grasslands, the home for many varieties of wild birds. It includes a Cathedral city, five market towns, several ancient monuments, and also the town of Malmsbury that is believed to be one of the most ancient towns in England.

Where would you recommend for a good evening out and why?

My favourite local eating-place is the Lamb on the Strand. A place where I have been served with the most succulent beef I have ever tasted, and that includes meals taken at the Baron of Beef on the London Wall. It is also the only place that I have managed to leave without paying. On that occasion my lunch partner was not so fortunate, as she had parked her car at the rear of the restaurant.

Who would be your ideal dinner partner and why?

For several years I have had contact, more recently by email, with Jacky Pullinger. Jacky from an early age decided to be a missionary. Without any official training she went on a trip that took her to Hong Kong. There she began by spending time with some of the poorest people in the then Colony; subsequently bringing many hundreds of them off drugs by prayer. With God's help, many were enabled to have a new start in life. Last year Jacky celebrated Christmas by organising a party for over 1,000 poor and hungry people.

Which landmark or attraction would you recommend?

High above the town of Westbury can be seen one of the several White Horses of Wiltshire. Nearby is a large Sarcen stone recording the defeat of the Vikings by King Alfred in the year 878, near to the old town of Ethendune. This victory united the English kingdoms under one head, giving birth to the nation of England. A salutary reminder that the English nation is one with a strong and ancient history.

What is your favourite book and why?

Spycatcher by Peter Wright is my favourite book, probably because I was destined to play a minor role in one of the incidents described by the author. Some 56 years ago, I was held on the strength of a Scientific Unit in Germany, and maintained a postal correspondence with our man in Berlin, where an operation was being carried out. However, according to the book the Russians quickly became aware of the situation, and started using it to their own advantage. My connection ended when I arranged our man's wedding, in the field, to a most glamorous bride.

What is your favourite music and why?

Probably Edvard Grieg's Peer Gynt's suite. The music brings to mind the caravan holiday I had whilst visiting Norway and Sweden, some years ago: enjoying the pure air in the mountainous countryside, fishing in the fjords, and being privileged to witness a Hardanger wedding. It was also the time when my younger daughter succumbed to some travelling sickness. The building where we took her for medical treatment had been used as the Gestapo headquarters in the film The Heroes of Telemark. Soon after returning to the UK we saw the film at our local cinema,

How do you relax?

Some years ago I would take a book and soak for half an hour or so in a hot bath. Unfortunately, that is no longer possible so now I take a book to a warm bed.

What keeps you awake at night?

The short answer is nothing!

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you take?

First I would take a bible. Not long ago I read the bible in a year. On a desert island I would have time to study it and take it in more slowly. Next I would take a small mirror. Having trained as a radio officer in the Merchant Navy, I would be able to signal to passing ships using the Morse code. Finally I would want a tool, possibly an axe, for use in building a shelter.