A CATERER is hoping that a book he helped create will encourage children to be more environmentally aware.

Frederick Stehr, of Elton Parade, Darlington, asked Irish author Glenys O'Connell to write a book about fly-tipping based on one of his ideas.

The story, The Pebble People Save the Day, has been published by Coach House Publications and is being used in schools in Eire.

Mr Stehr, a father-of-three and grandfather-of-three who was born in Germany, said: "I write as a hobby and this was something I had planned for a long time.

"The book is about illegal dumping and the damage it can do. It is already being used on the school curriculum in Ireland and I would like to see it in every school here, too."

The book tells the story of a boy who moves to Ireland and exposes a ring of fly-tippers. It is on sale at Ottakar's, in Darlington, priced £4.95.