A former regional daily business editor has written a book of short stories about Christmas for children ahead of the festive season.

John Duckers, formerly of the Birmingham Post, has compiled the compilation of 10 stories set during the festive season called ‘Santa’s Story Sack.’

John has previously written two books, the first of which raised “significant sums” for charities Cure Leukaemia and Symphony Hall, and he intends to gift £1 per book to good causes again.

He described the compilation as “the definitive compilation of short stories to get the kiddies excited for the big day.”

Said John: “Featuring a cast of adventurous kids and devoted animals who enjoy festive frolics to excite and delight, it contains wondrous moments of fun and laughter alongside mystery, suspense and really scary bits.

“Some of the short stories were written years ago, some are entirely new, and I thought it would be fun to pull them all together in book form. Hopefully people will like them – I certainly enjoyed dreaming them up.

“For me, book-writing is more a hobby than a money-earner. The first raised significant sums for charities Cure Leukaemia and Symphony Hall.

“The latest one is not specifically committed but depending on the circumstances the intention is to gift £1 a book.”

The book, published by Grosvenor House Publishing, is available through Amazon and most main bookshops, priced at £7.99.  It will also be available to buy at the Birmingham Press Club’s annual Christmas lunch on 14 December.

To reserve a place at the lunch, which will be held at Birmingham Hippodrome, email [email protected].