A book has been returned to a library more than 43 years overdue.

The biography of local poet Edwin Muir was rediscovered during a house clearance and handed over to Orkney Library this week.

It was due to be returned by October 24, 1973, but luckily for the borrower, the library in Kirkwall does not issue fines.

Principal librarian Karen Walker said: "The book was found during a house clearance. They discovered two books and one came back to us.

"It was due back in 1973 but we don't operate a fines system. We've had things returned this late a few times before."

The book is now expected to be returned to the shelves.