A former regional journalist has signed a deal to have his novel published across the world.

Andrew Leatham, left, who used to work at the Bolton News, has signed the deal to have The Last Casualty published in paperback.

Andrew’s novel tells the story of a woman who discovers her great-grandfather was shot during the Battle of Passchendaele, which took place 100 years ago this year, and embarks on a quest to find out more.

The central female character in the book joins the Shot At Dawn pressure group – which achieved posthumous pardons for the 306 British soldiers executed for cowardice and desertion in First World War.

Andrew told his old newspaper: “I have long been fascinated by military history, particularly that of the First World War.

“The patriotic fervour that caused such a rush to the colours. The thousands of men who lied about their age, my grandfather among them, to go and do their bit.

“And ultimately the effect the horror of trench warfare would have on soldiers, many of whom were little more than boys.

“It’s something I’ve thought about for years and finally I turned it into a novel, but one which tells the story largely from the point of view of two generations on from the one that fought and died.”

He added: “A lot of people who have read my book tell me they think it would make a great television drama.”