TRUE stories of the First and Second World War are disclosed by local author and writer David Snell in his first novel which is being launched at the London Book Fair.

Talented Bream writer David Snell, turned his hand to writing 18 years ago when he moved to the Forest from Kent, from where he has worked for many publications including The Daily Telegraph. His book 'Sing to Silent Stones' is based upon a wartime family saga in Kent, Loire Valley and the Forest of Dean.

David said: "The tale focuses on an English boy growing up in the Loire Valley in the 1930s. The book explores the social attitudes towards illegitimacy that were evident between 1913 and 1946.

"The novel has taken me two years to write and is based on true stories – I am extremely proud of the novel and pleased with the end product."

You can buy the book on Amazon or at The Forest Bookshop in Coleford.