A DAD-OF-TWO who put pen to paper 35 years ago to write a story for his children about Winwick has transformed the short story into a novel.

Douglas Smith, who lived in the village for almost three decades, has been overwhelmed by the response to his book The Winwick Witch and the Golden Pig after listening to his then 13-year-old granddaughter’s plea to publish his work.

The 73-year-old said: “I wrote the story when I was 38 years old.

“We lived in Winwick for 27 years and my children went to Winwick Primary School.

“My daughter was in the church choir and that’s when I first discovered the pig on the church.

“I wrote the story for my children but then I stuffed it in a drawer.

“I had forgotten about it until my granddaughter dug it out and told me to turn it into a book.”

The former Bewsey School pupil, who now lives in Old Hall, was fascinated by the legend of the Winwick Pig after first setting eyes on the carving of the pig on one of Warrington’s most iconic landmarks St Oswald’s Church in Winwick.

His book was inspired by the pig and is set ‘in the olden days when kings ruled, witches flew and pigs ate porridge’.

The book is also illustrated with watercolour paintings by Douglas, who has sold countless landscape pictures over the years.

“I was 14 when my mum bought me my first oil paint set and I was hooked,” he said.

“I’m self-taught but this is the first time I have used watercolours.

“It’s a good job paint tubes are labelled as I’m colour blind.”

Since the publication of his book, Douglas, who previously worked as a lecturer in adult education, has generously given copies to schools in the area.

Rector June Steventon at St Oswald’s church has also been presented with a copy.

Douglas has already sold a number of the books including copies which have been sent to America.

The book is now on sale at Forget Me Not on Common Lane in Culcheth. Douglas will be in store for a signing from 10am to 1pm on October 7.