A STOURBRIDGE writer has published his first novel for children.

Johnny 'Mogs' Morris, who published his first book 'Poems Your Parents Won't Like' in October 2017, has now released his first novel for young readers.

Entitled Griff, the book tells the tale of a dog made out of stone who sits in an old lady's garden but unlike other stone dogs he can move and talk and each night he heads off on adventures with his best friend Samson the cat.

Former IT worker Johnny, a 61-year-old father-of-two who took early retirement in 2003 due to failing eyesight, said: "The idea for the story came from a friend who has a 'Griff’ in her garden.

"She pats his nose and talks to him, and told me she imagined that he went off on exciting adventures.

"A few children have read the story, or had it read to them, so I think it will appeal to all ages."

Published by Black Pear Press, the book will be launched at Stourbridge Library in the Crown Centre on Saturday March 9 from 11am to midday.

Johnny, who is originally from Halesowen but now lives in Wollaston, will also be at The Hive in Worcester on Sunday March 31 from 4pm.

For more information about Johnny, or to buy his book, visit johnnymogs.co.uk.

Griff will also be available to buy at Ashwood Nurseries, Kingswinford, the Red House Glass Cone at Wordsley at The Black Country Hub at intu Merry Hill.