THE work of an eminent forensic psychologist will be the topic of a Denbighshire event next week.

Ruthin U3A is preparing for a surge of interest in its general meeting at Ruthin Rugby Club next Tuesday, April 25.

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David Canter, professor emeritus, crime author and TV presenter, will give a talk drawn from his long career in forensic psychology.

Professor Canter, who is himself a member of Ruthin U3A, began his career as an architectural psychologist, studying how people make sense of large scale environments such as cities.

He set up the Journal of Environmental Psychology, leading to studies of human reactions in fires and other emergencies.

After 10 years as professor of psychology at the University of Surrey, David went on to set up and direct the Centre for Investigative Psychology at the University of Liverpool, and has helped police with criminal investigations.

From 2009 until his retirement in 2018, he directed the International Research Centre in Investigative Psychology at the University of Huddersfield.

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David is now emeritus professor at the University of Liverpool and continues to publish in crime and forensic psychology.

Professor Canter’s many published works include his 1994 book Criminal Shadows: Inside the Mind of the Serial Killer which won two literary awards: the Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction and the Anthony Award for Best True Crime.

He also wrote and presented a six-part television series called Mapping Murder.

In this month’s talk for Ruthin U3A, David will describe episodes from his work as a forensic psychologist, revealing some of the strange complexities and oddities of legal processes which he has encountered.

The U3A is a national organisation with charitable status with branches in towns throughout the UK, for people who are retired or no longer in full-time work.

At its core are self-led interest and activity groups, meeting in locations such rooms in libraries, community centres or members’ homes.

In North Wales, there are U3As in Abergele, Flintshire, Wrexham, Rhyl/Prestatyn and Ruthin. Ruthin U3A has dozens of activity groups as diverse as hill-walking, a book club, ukulele group, tennis, French, Spanish, geology and even Latin.

Jack Shakespeare, chair of Ruthin U3A, said: “We are a very friendly, relaxed group, and new members are always welcome.”

Ruthin U3A has an active Facebook group, and supports new members who have ideas for launching new interest groups.

Jack added, “Some people join to learn new skills, or to challenge themselves mentally and physically with activities.

"Some just come to enjoy the social atmosphere.”

Anyone interested in joining can find full information on their website by searching ‘Ruthin U3A’, or they can go along to Professor Canter’s talk at the Ruthin Rugby Club at 10am on April 25, where membership forms will be available.

The annual membership fee is £15.