A FORMER Darwen Grammar schoolboy is celebrating a hat-trick of three book publications.

James Watson, who now lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, is best known as a writer for teenage readers but has now released two academic works and a fictional narrative.

James, who spent his early years living at Lynwood Avenue, is now a visiting lecturer in media studies after leaving his long-time teaching position at the West Kent College in Tonbridge.

He said: "I've only returned to the town once. My favourite chip-shop was still doing good business and my wife Kitty and three daughters, Rosalind, Miranda and Francesca enjoyed a chip lunch on Darwen's cricket ground .

"The visit was packed with golden memories."

Collins Educational have just published 'Tom Paine, This was Your LIfe,' as well as 'The Dictionary of Media and Communications Studies' and fictional work 'Where Nobody Sees.'