Gervase Phinn, school inspector, begins his third year with a spring in his step for in April he will marry Christine Bentley, headteacher of Winnery Nook School. But before then he has to suffer the wicked repartee of his fellow inspectors on the subjects of love and marriage. The well-named Mrs Savage still attempts to exert her power via incomprehensible memos, and Connie continues to rule the Staff Development Centre with broom of iron and duster of disapproval at any dirty marks.

In the schools themselves - whether small primary schools tucked away in the delicious dales or large comprehensives - Gervase Phinn faces every challenge with humour that is rarely far from the surface.

Head Over Heels in the Dales by Gervase Phinn