WHEN a group of wounded ex-servicemen from Russia visited this country, little did Lytham man Michael Wren-Hilton know it would sow the seeds of inspiration for his first novel.

Michael, an ex-solicitor and circuit judge, who has lived in Lytham for most of his life and has always been interested in Russia and its history, was so fascinated by meeting them that it prompted him to start writing.

The result is a book called Spanish Eagle, a fast-paced thriller which charts the lives of a few individuals caught up in personal and political turmoil following the collapse of the Communist regime in Russia.

KGB agents are despatched to the USA and Great Britain to find a leader who can unite their country.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Johnson is a protection officer to the British prime minister and becomes involved with a Spanish diplomat unaware that her life is about to be turned upside down.

The book, which took Michael 12 months to write, has now been published by The Book Guild and is due on sale from November 28.

Speaking about the book from his Lytham home in Islay Road, Michael said: "I am obviously very delighted that this book has got into print.

"I have written other books of more of a legal nature, but this is the first novel that I have had published."

He added: "I have always been interested in Russia, even though I have never been there.

"Like most amateur historians I have traced the events of this country with a great deal of interest.

"When a group of wounded ex-servicemen visited the British Limbless Ex-servicemen's committee, of which I am a member, it prompted me to start writing about Russia."

"It is not a sexy book, but it is a romantic thriller."

When asked if he intended to continue writing after this, Michael, who is retired, said: "I certainly have got the writing bug and I am sure I will keep on writing.

"At the end of the day writing is a wonderful and pleasurable hobby for me."

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