A POPULAR Bromsgrove children's author is set to release the ninth book in a popular series which has proved a hit in Australia and South Korea.

Tony Maddox, of Hardbrook Court, has already started book number ten in the series based around his character Fergus, a puppy dog, even though the ninth episode, Fergus's Secrets, is not released until October 27.

Tony came up with the idea for the series documenting the tales of Fergus and his other animal friends around 20 years ago.

A reviewer once coined the character as the 'patch-eyed pup' - a nickname which has now been adopted into the series.

The latest offering, released through Piccadilly Publishing, entails the animals' sneaky antics in an attempt to fix Farmer Bob's tractor - a prime example on the focus of adventure in Tony's writing.

"Something will happen in the story and I will develop more ideas through chain reactions," he said.

"I like to try and make them more adventurous."

The books are also a hit with schoolchildren, particularly those who are developing their reading skills.

"Kids will pick up the book at the school library and see it as an aid to reading."

Tony believes sticking at writing is one of the main ingredients for success.

"There are a lot of talented people about but it is the ability to stick at it that counts."