A Swindon porter will present the first copy of his published book to a colleague who helped him to realise his writing dream, when his book is launched at the University of Bath in Swindon on November 12.

Steve Sims, 47, of Walcot, will present a signed copy of The House to colleague Janet Lonsdale, Widening Participation Officer at the University, to thank her for proof-reading his 71,000-word novel, prior to finding a publisher.

Mr Sims spent a year writing the horror fantasy novel in his spare time after taking a creative writing evening course at the university.

The novel centres on a lost boy and his family's journey to reclaim their son through a nether world of demons and adventure.

Although set in another world, people in Swindon will recognise settings for some scenes, including a high speed car chase through Greenbridge.

"It was an honour to be asked to proof-read Steve's book," said Mrs Lonsdale, who spent two weeks reading through the book after work and at weekends.

"Id never done anything like it before and to be honest it was harder than I'd imagined, having to concentrate on every single word.

"I was really inquisitive about Steve's style of writing and found it very descriptive and involving. It was interesting to pick out the Swindon links."

Mr Sims will host a book-signing at 11am at the Oakfield campus where signed copies will be available for the discounted price of £7.

Later this year he will be signing his book at Waterstones and copies will be available online from Amazon and WHSmith.

He has just completed his next work, a black comedy, which he hopes will attract a publishing deal.