A hyperlocal news site has appointed a former soldier turned author as its new “writer in residence”.

Neil Blower, a Royal Tank Regiment veteran who saw frontline action in Kosovo and Iraq, has joined SalfordOnline.com in the 12-month paid position.

The move will see him write an exclusive short story each week for the website, which is a not-for-profit community interest company.

Neil started writing seriously in 2006 after being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and his first novel Shell Shock: The Diary of Tommy Atkins is a semi-autobiographical story.

He said: “It goes without saying that I am delighted to be the writer in residence at SalfordOnline.com.

“This is an extremely exciting role. But it is also a little unnerving for me, given that I am a self-trained writer.”

Tom Rodgers, SalfordOnline.com’s news editor, said the appointment would provide readers with “exceptional content from an exceptional writer”.

He said: “We are very pleased that Neil Blower has joined us in this highly-regarded position, and we are very much looking forward to working with him over the coming year.”

Neil is a leading campaigner on PTSD and his second novel, Dividing Lines, is due to be released later this year.

He is also planning to hold regular writing workshops for students at schools, colleges and universities.