Through world wars and civil strife, the Bangor Express has never missed an issue, but now it is losing money hand-over-fist and Rob Cullen, fresh off the plane from his London news desk, has absolutely no idea that he's the man to save it. Lured back to Northern Ireland for the first time in 20 years by the demise of his one-time mentor, the Bangor Express makes Rob an offer he can't refuse and the Guardian reporter can't resist sticking around. After all, it has been a long time since Rob had a real story to get his teeth in to... and with the Bangor Express, that's just what he's going to get.

Rob is having his usual at Bangor's Hong Kong Palace, when the immigration police storm the restaurant hauling off several members of staff including waitress and local netball star Anna. Rob can't sit back and let this bright young thing be deported and launches a campaign against the UK Border Agency via the Bangor Express. And, as if he didn't have enough on his plate, Rob's blossoming romance with Alix is rudely interrupted by the arrival of his estranged wife and children...