AN AUTHOR from Upton Cross who has been 'undiscovered' for 40 years has had his first novel published to critical acclaim.

Boonie is a novel aimed at young adults aged 11 and over.

'It tells the story of a boy as he searches for his mother in a sinister, futuristic world where water has almost run out... it is about hope, bravery and friendship with a strong environmental theme running through,' say its publishers.

Author Richard Masson joined the Merchant Navy at 16 and says he began writing while away at sea to pass the time.

After coming ashore, he ran businesses in Callington and London, but says he started writing 'seriously' when, aged 57, he went back to university to study creative writing.

Publishers Hot Key Books spotted Richard's work through the Undiscovered Voices project – a scheme which brings together in an anthology the best writing from unpublished children's authors.

'What really struck a chord with us was that Richard had been writing for 40 years and despite some near misses with publishers he still hadn't been discovered,' said a spokesperson for the publisher.

'We feel Richard's story and passion for writing are truly inspirational – especially to aspiring writers.'

Boonie has been well received, with a review in The Observer saying: 'Novels that tap into anxiety about the future of the planet need something extra to stand out and Richard Masson's excellent debut Boonie... has a harrowing opening with echoes of Cormac McCarthy's The Road.'

Published at the beginning of January, Boonie is available locally in bookshops and online, and has already proved so popular with readers that people have asked Richard when he will be writing the sequel.