LIFE is much different these days for Bishop's Waltham resident Robert Shields.

He has lived in the town for 20 years since his retirement and plays a full part in the community as a minibus driver, community first responder, and organises of town team events.

But before the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, a small army funded by Britain kept the peace across the original seven sheikhdoms.

The Trucial Oman Scouts, led by British officers, were joined by Mr Shields in 1966, who served with them for nearly a year before attending university. This was before the oil had brought its wealth, before roads were built and before tourists had arrived. The traditional Arab way of life was ubiquitous.

Mr Shields has now written a book on his experiences.

For nearly 365 days he served in remote outposts, leading patrols into the desert and negotiating in Arabic with local Emirs to keep the peace.

He was given an Arabic name, Rashid, which means the infallible tutor.

Every few days he wrote letters home to his parents and his future wife, Ruth. He wrote as events unfurled, recording impressions and facts as he understood them.

"My insight of politics and of people may have been limited at the start, but as my knowledge of the Arabic language grew, so too did my confidence," said former parish councillor Robert Shields.

"In the latter months my respect for the local population, their religion and their customs was reflected by their trust of me. My letters, later returned to me by my mother and Ruth, are a lasting memory of the most wonderful experiences a young man could possibly imagine."

Robert has recorded his letters in the book Letters in the Sand, being a very personal account of life in the desert, experiences with the Arab population, and service in a small army like no other.

It is now available in Bishop’s Waltham at Best Wishes and the Post Office.

Alternatively email lettersinthesand@xmoor.com.

A donation will be given to the Community First Responders for every copy sold.