A WRITER is celebrating the publication of his first book.

John Daniel has collated more than ten years of writing into a series of short stories called The World of Bodger Bill.

The stories are all about Bill, a handyman on the brink of middle age, suffering from the loneliness of the recent death of his mother.

Mr Daniel said: "I started writing about the American Revolution, but that fell by the wayside, so now I concentrate on general fiction. My style is not a bit like Dickens, but it tries to be romantic, humorous and imaginative - in that order."

The book is being published by Darlington-based creative writing group, the Bennet House Group.

Mr Daniel, who lives in Darlington, has been attending the group since it was set up ten years ago.

There are now 20 members who meet once a week to read out their poetry and short stories, and provide mutual encouragement and criticism.

Fellow group member, Mary Sweeten, said: "John's stories give pleasure and delight to those who hear them. We've nagged him for many years to publish and we're delighted it's finally happened."

The World of Bodger Bill, published by the Bennet House Group, is available for £1.50, from Ottakars Bookshop, Darlington.