WHEN Richard Elliott’s children were growing up in Oxenhope he told them tales about an elusive goblin who lived in the village.

“It was while walking around Oxenhope that we came across a tiny door. How could anything fit through the tiny door? Could someone live there? Thus, the Goblin of Oxenhope was born, and I'd tell stories of his adventures to Connor, Morgan and Tyler before bedtime," he says.

Now that his sons are grown up, Richard has once again brought George the goblin to life in a children’s book.

The Goblin of Oxenhope tells the story of four children who go on an adventure through the village, but all is not as it seems as they stray further and further from the railway station - a stop on the famous Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR).

Connor, Morgan and Tyler feature in the book, with their fourth companion Alyssa.

As they step into the world of the goblin, they discover all is not as it seems. “I've told countless tales to my children about the elusive Goblin of Oxenhope, however this is the first time I've sat down and written a story about him,” says Richard. “Because I love Oxenhope, Haworth and Yorkshire so much, being able to include things like the KWVR in the adventures was a must

“The railway is very important and special to our family which we always visit including the museum come rain, sleet or snow.”

The book is illustrated by artist Grace Spalding. “Grace is my eldest son Connor's best friend. She has a first in art from the University of Bristol. In the early stages I was trying to work out how best to bring the story to life, and when he suggested Grace, I saw her unique style and just knew she would be the perfect illustrator.

“Seeing the vision I had, from way back , when we would walk to the top of Oxenhope and around the reservoir, come to life via Grace's illustrations has been just magical. In terms of a second story, who knows where along the KWVR George will stop next.”

Richard grew up in Wibsey. “I have fond memories of growing up there, enjoying sport, mainly cricket and rugby league - I am a supporter of the Bradford Bulls. l also competed for Yorkshire as captain at volleyball.

“I loved being out in the countryside and walking, spending time with my family and friends.”

After meeting wife Andrea, Richard lived in Cullingworth and eventually the couple moved to Oxenhope with their three sons.

While writing the story, Richard, who now lives in Warwickshire, became a foster carer. The values of friendship, inclusivity, and empathy that the children in the story, and George share, run throughout the book.

Richard has pledged that any future children’s books will feature goblins. “Goblins are seldom featured in children's books and the reason George is so apprehensive about meeting the children is because of goblin reputation. I hope this book and future books in the series will show what goblins can be like.”

*The Goblin of Oxenhope is published by Nightingale Books, a division of Pegasus, priced £8.99