Former police officer Alice Vinten has been interviewed by BBC Radio Leeds following the release of her brand-new book The Real Happy Valley, a collection of real-life stories about female police officers serving across Yorkshire.

In the interview with Gayle Lofthouse, which you can listen to here from 43:50, Alice discusses the writing process, the inspirational women whose stories she tells, her own experiences as a police officer, why people join the force, and the importance of kindness and compassion in policing.

Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood may be a fictional character, but her bravery, compassion and determination exist in real-life policewomen serving across Yorkshire today.

In The Real Happy Valley, former policewoman Alice Vinten reveals what life on the beat is really like for those protecting the cobbled streets and windswept hills of this historic county. From domestic abuse to kidnap, gang crime and murder, these women will stop at nothing to bring their criminals to justice and in the most extraordinary circumstances, they never fail to put others’ safety before their own.

Gripping, inspiring and eye-opening, The Real Happy Valley is a celebration of our finest officers’ peerless commitment to protect and serve.

The Real Happy Valley is out now. Grab your copy here or, better, via your local bookshop or Bookshop.org.

You can follow Alice on Twitter @AVintenAuthor.