Former gangster Paul Ferris has signed a new book deal with a publish date set for next year.

The 53-year-old, originally from Blackhill, has started work on a new true crime title which will be called Unfinished Business and published on October 26 next year.

Convicted gunrunner Ferris signed the deal with independent publishing house Mojo Risin' Publishing, which is the company's biggest coup to date.

Mojo is run by former bouncer and football fanzine editor Steve Wraith and his business partner and author Stuart Wheatman.

Unfinished Business will be an update to the Glasgow hardman's 2001 biography, The Ferris Conspiracy, and the fifth book he has penned.

Ferris, who has not been in prison since 2002 and left his life of crime behind him well over a decade ago, intends the book to be a tribute to his former writing partner, Reg McKay, who died of brain and lung cancer in October 2009.

Their debut book the Ferris Conspiracy sold more than 20,000 copies and Ferris went on to pen three further books with McKay. Wheatman and Wraith will write the book with Ferris.

The writing team have a record in true crime titles, having written about the Kray twins, their henchman Freddie Foreman, notorious villain Stephen Sayers and Newcastle football hooligans.

Ferris said: "This tribute to Reg is something that had to be done. It symbolises our unfinished business. After several meetings with both Steve and Stuart, I knew Reg would've been smiling."

Wheatman said: "Being a writer in this genre, I've been aware of Paul Ferris for many years. Of all the people I'd want to write with, Paul's always been top of the list.

"Lee Clark's biog has opened up good selling opportunities for us in Scotland and I'm sure this will see those opportunities flourish."

Wraith said: "I've kept in touch with Paul over the years and asked him about this book some time ago. It's always been on our radar and now the time is right for Paul to finish business.

"This will be as explosive as they come and we can't wait to get started."

Money raised from sales will go to the cancer foundation that helped treat Reg McKay.