A FIRST-time novelist whose book goes on sale next week will donate ten per cent of sales to the Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Arthur Wheeler, from Brompton on Swale, wrote his book An Unknown Paradise in just six months.

It is set in Surrey and Chile and follows a couple who are drawn into the life of a young Chilean boy and finally become his adoptive parents.

Mr Wheeler, who retired three years ago after a career in the pharmaceutical industry, has been volunteering for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association as a driver and managing collection boxes around the Yorkshire Dales.

He said: “I woke up with the idea for the story about a year ago and found that it just flowed.

“If I would come up against a brick wall with my writing I usually came up with the answer after going away and sleeping on it.”

Mr Wheeler, whose pen name is A. K. Adams, said he has since written many short stories and is now starting his second novel, which he plans to set closer to home.

“I have characters based in Stockton and Yarm – having a local connection might encourage local readers,” he said.

An Unknown Paradise, published by Pen Press, will be available from Thursday, April 11 on Amazon, Waterstones and WH Smiths’ websites.