A RETIRED dustman, who is registered blind, swapped emptying bins for writing novels.

Now Carl Monks, 32 years a refuse collector, is set to publish his new book next month.,

The 65-year-old, from Lowton Road in Golborne, turned his hand to writing short stories and novels after taking early retirement in 1989.

The former Golborne UDC and Wigan MBC dustman says he was inspired to take up writing after he joined the Golborne Book Chat Group four years ago. He was asked to relate his earliest memories and hasn't looked back since.

A number of his novels and short stories have been published through Towpath Community Press -- including his latest novel Autumn Sunshine.

Carl told the Journal: "I love to write although I have never liked to physically write things down on paper. My handwriting and spelling are terrible!

"But when I took part in a project with the Book Group about my earliest memories and did it on the computer, I really enjoyed it. This encouraged me to take up writing. Being partially sighted has never been a problem -- I've always found ways around it.

"Autumn Sunshine was developed from one of my early short stories. It tells the story of 90-year-old George Blakely, who tells his tale to Karen, a volunteer care worker at the home where he's lived for several years. It ought to tickle some memories, especially about the Second World War."

The official launch of Carl's latest book will be on Thursday, September 4, at Golborne Library. And his book is available to buy at High Street News in Golborne, and Smiths on Mesnes Street in Wigan -- priced £5.