A bookmaker from the district has beaten the odds to have his first novel published.

Robert Young, from Menston, who works for Ladbrokes, has landed a four-book deal for a series of stories about a gladiator.

Inspired by a dream about a young Roman called Darius Drusus, the dad-of-two started researching his novels four years ago. He has travelled the world to gather information and completed half of an eight-book series called Auctoratus.

The 46-year-old has now signed a deal with Little Acorn Press, which specialises in fiction for children and young adults.

Mr Young said he had calculated it was a five million to one shot to get his work published.

“They say write about what you know, but I say write about what captures your imagination, and if that involves a lot of research, then so be it,” he said.

The first in the series, Auctoratus Volunteer Gladiator, will be in all major bookstores and available on-line from early August.

  • Read the full story in Wednesday's T&A