A new book about basketball will raise money for a charity based in North Ayrshire.

And the book, ‘BASKETBALL in the West of Scotland 1940-1970’ written by Kilwinning man Alex O’Hara, features information on the Ardrossan Vikings club.

The author decided all proceeds would to go to the charity, which supports disabled children and adults throughout Scotland, including Alex’s 23-year-old grandson who attends Sense Scotland’s TouchBase Ayrshire in Ardrossan.

Alex says: “They do such a great job with him and we’ve fundraised for Sense Scotland in the past – so it just seemed appropriate to raise further amounts for them in this way.”

The 75-year-old former Scotland basketball international was motivated to write the book, telling how basketball developed in the West of Scotland, for his friend and former team-mate Alistair McCrae.

He explains: “Alistair and I like to talk about our past and I wanted to put together some ‘memories’ which would enable his family to enjoy sharing these times with him. I started researching newspaper archives and eventually had built up so much archive material, I was challenged to turn it into a book. So I did.”

The book gets its official launch at The Emirates Stadium on Sunday, April 14, prior to the Glasgow Rock’s home game against Cheshire Phoenix.

Discounted tickets are being sold by Sense Scotland with money raised supporting services for disabled people across Scotland.

Alex’s book contains season-by-season details of competitions, clubs and players, not to mention the outstanding characters of the time. All of the triumphs, tragedies and scandals of this golden age are faithfully recounted.

The sprightly retired Chartered Accountant hopes his chronicle of the development of basketball will provide a further substantial boost to funds for Sense Scotland.

For tickets for the 5pm game on April 14 at a discounted rate of £8 for adults and £4 for children contact info@sensescotland.org.uk or call 0300 330 9292.