A FORMER Prescot Grammar School pupil who lived in St Helens as a teenager has returned to the town to promote his first novel. Adrian Caesar emigrated to Australia nearly 20 years ago and is currently Associate Professor of English at the University College of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy.

But he regularly returns to visit family in St Helens and made a sentimental journey back 'home' to celebrate the publishing of his novel, 'The White' by Macmillan.

Although this is his first novel, Adrian (46) is also the author of several books of literary and cultural criticism, as well as two books of poetry.

He said:"I always wanted to be a writer and started by writing lyrics when I was still at school. My friend used to set them to music and we have performed all over the town, including the YMCA in St Helens. This is my first fiction work, although it is heavily researched and I feel that it has brought out the academic side to my writing, while allowing me to use my imagination."

Adrian is now working on another book about three generations of one family who were all soldiers in different wars.

'The White' which is set in the Antarctic at the turn of the century is available from Wardleworths in Westfield Street, and from most leading bookshops, price £14.99.