First I would like to thank Chris for his kindness in inviting me to post on his blog. He is performing a wonderful service to authors and long may he continue.

I was born in Liverpool on 6 January 1969, a year which is best known for my birth and for a rather minor event, the moon landing!

One of my earliest memories is of crunching through the leaves with my grandfather in Woolton woods which are situated only a short distance from where my family live. I loved to collect acorns and conkers as a small boy and it was undoubtedly my grandfather who inspired in me my love of nature.

As a small boy I vividly recall sitting on my grandfather’s knee as he regailed me with the exploits of The Famous Five and other children’s classics. It was from him that I derived my love of reading.