You may think that writing nonsense was not the way to get a book published. But for one Chorley author it provided the route to literary success.

Martin Colclough, 43, of Firtree Avenue, Chorley, has recently published a book, The Poetry of Cadenz Rime, which contains amusing poems and short stories drawn from the world of fantasy.

It is Martin's first book and has been compared to the work of Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll.

Martin lists his other influences as other masters of nonsense Spike Milligan, Dr Seuss and Roald Dahl.

Among the weird and wonderful characters in the illustrated book are Zog the Trog, The Squeedly Tweedler and Of Mice and Lice. Their stories are told in amusing and increasingly intricate rhyme.

Martin, who is married to Fiona and works as an engineer, said: "It's a fun thing to do and I have had good feedback from friends and relatives who have read the rhymes.

"My two daughters, Virginia and Georgia, are a bit young to appreciate them, but I think they will enjoy them when they are a little older.

"I am currently collating a second book for self publication called The Cadence of Rhyme which is some of my more general poetry for older readers.

"I also post some of my work on amateur writing websites, which are thriving at the moment."

Over the last nine months Martin has had 30 poems published in an assortment of anthologies, and his work has been read out on BBC local radio.

Martin is donating all royalties from online sales, to the Imagine appeal at the Liverpool Alder Hey Hospital charity run by Yoko Ono.

The Poetry of Cadenz Rime is available from www.lulu.com or from Martin on 01257 277022.