A BUDDING author is set to publish a series of books about the abuse he suffered as a child in a bid to deal with the pain that still haunts him.

Brian Rutherford, 48, originally from Whalley, is one of a family of 12 children.

He claims he was the victim of systematic child abuse over many years, and still carries the emotional scars which have blighted his adult life.

And now in a similar vein to international best-selling writer Dave Pelzer - author of books such as 'A Child Called It' and 'A Man Named Dave' which documents the abuse and mental cruelty that Pelzer alleges to have suffered as a child - Brian is to tell his heartbreaking story in a series of three books.

The first instalment, written by pal Jim Walker, will be "Behind Closed Doors - The Brian Rutherford Story".

And he is being supported by the landlord and customers of The Hollins Inn, Walsden, near Todmorden.

Landlord Alan Troy said: "We have been supporting Brian with fund-raising events and book sales at the pub. We even managed a full coach with customers from the pub to the launch of the first book at Dunkenhalgh Hotel at Clayton-le-Moors."

In his first book, Brian starts to reflect on his childhood and early adulthood, and graphically depicts his harrowing and abusive experiences.

Brian, said: "I have carried this legacy with me all of my life, and although I have coped by building different emotional safety valves, I have never been able to cast out my demons.

"The pain in reliving these times cannot be imagined. I found when working on the first book, I could only muster the strength to touch the surface.

"Now with all the support and good wishes, I feel empowered to go much deeper inside my mind with book two."

The idea of putting his thoughts down on paper came originally from a therapist as a way of dealing with the pain of the ordeal that still haunts him.

The revelations made in his book, have angered many of his family, and brought with it some bitterness and anguish, but Brian stands by his words and feels his cause is honourable.

He said: "This is not about retribution or a misguided vendetta. I am doing this for me, and I suppose others in my position. My childhood has left a void and vacuum inside me, and until I wrote these experiences down I thought I would never be free of them. I had no choice but to make a financial commitment to get my own story in print, it is just too easy too let silence prevail.

"Child abuse is still with us today and I have to play my part in trying to stop it. People have to realise that this shatters lives forever, you never recover."

Brian has made a serious financial commitment to his project with costs so far running at £40,000.

Landlord Alan said: "It has been difficult for Brian to raise the money for his first book and we will need help to get to the next stage.

"We are now looking to raise some sponsorship for his next book, this is an important cause and we hope people will join in and help in any way they can."

With the second book due out in March, plans to raise awareness are already under way.

Alan added: "Brian has many supporters in the sporting world. We are planning a charity cricket match, West Indies v England, where we hope to have several international players past and present in the teams. We then plan to hold an auction night at the pub, with some special memorabilia from the event."

To find out more information or offer any help or support contact Alan at the Hollins Inn on 07812 144250.