A Trowbridge graphic designer and author has penned his second book for young children after a chance encounter with a turtle while swimming off Hawaii.

Stuart McDonald has just had a session reading his 28-page story Turtle Trouble to pupils at the Holbrook Primary School.

He will also be reading Turtle Trouble to youngsters at Trowbridge Library on Saturday October 26 from 11am.

Mr McDonald, 48, of Alderton Way, Trowbridge, said: "Many years ago I had the pleasure of a chance encounter with a turtle whilst swimming off the beach in Maui and I couldn’t believe how graceful and beautiful it was.

"I later went on a boat trip to see them at a cleaning station and was blessed with another underwater encounter.

"They’re such amazing creatures and we need to protect them before they become endangered.

“The main character, Sheldon, is an adventurous young turtle and is always swimming too far off and getting into trouble."

Turtle Trouble took him four months to write and is an illustrated rhyming book for young readers aged three to six.

"I wanted to target young readers and their parents in the hope that the youth of today would start to understand what’s going on.

"I also want to encourage them to help do their bit, in any small way, to help save our oceans and protect the marine life.

"The book conveys a powerful message to young children and adults about the growing global problem of ocean waste and plastic pollution in our seas and on our beaches.

"I hope this inspires and encourages them to do their bit for the environment by recycling or joining a beach cleaning group.”

The book has been supported by a number of leading environmental groups including Ocean First, Going Coastal, Leave no Trace, REEF, The Safina Centre, RECOVER and Recycle More.

So far, Mr McDonald has sold 250 copies at £6.75 each, and Turtle Trouble is being stocked by The Deep in Hull and the Isle of Wight Zoo.

Further reading sessions are being planned for Melksham Library on Monday October 28 from 10am, and at St Michael's Pre-school in Hilperton and West Ashton Primary School in November.

He is also booked for Castle Mead Primary School in Trowbridge for World Book Day next March.

Mr McDonald's first book, The Witches' Tea Party, was published earlier this year.

Turtle Trouble is available at www.stuartmcdonaldauthor.co.uk, his Facebook site, and at bookshops.