A FOOTBALL-mad writer from Stourport is looking forward to his dream coming true later this month with the publication of his first book, The Evil Ones.

Terry Coy has been writing for the last 30 years and has completed four novels but the only work he has ever had published before is an article on his favourite football team, Birmingham City, in a matchday programme.

He cannot wait to bask in the literary limelight when The Evil Ones hits the shelves and told the Shuttle/Times and News he was "absolutely delighted" with his achievement.

"I can't imagine what it will be like to see my book in the shops - I've thought about it for years and it has been a dream of mine," he said.

He added The Evil Ones was the first crime-related book he had written, having previously concentrated on action thrillers.

It begins with a rape and murder and also involves illegal immigrants with connections with terrorism.

It is set in 2001 in Birmingham, where its creator was born and bred and lived until he moved to Stourport two years ago.

"There are actual road names in it from around where I used to live (Stetchford) and I think people from that area will recognise it," he said.

The 58-year-old former bus driver and driving instructor, who now works in the finance department of Washwood Heath College of Technology in Birmingham following a stroke 14 years ago, added he was hoping to take early retirement to concentrate on his writing.

He has just finished another book with the same central character as The Evil Ones - Detective Allan Shaw - and hopes to see a series of his crime thrillers published in the future.

The Evil Ones is due to be released nationally later this month. Information on stockists can be obtained by calling Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie publishers on 01223 370012.