'McCauley's War' launch on Friday

McCauley's War is a fast-moving tale of life in wartime Londonderry as seen through the eyes of Dickie McCauley, a streetwise nine-year-old who dominates his friends and constantly outwits his elders.

Dickie's antics with his motley gang bring unwanted attention to the doorstep of his long-suffering mother. These innocent scrapes quickly tangle with much darker deeds and local politics leading to terrible consequences for the close-knit McCauley family.

It is the debut work of Charlie Herron - Marlborough native and former Prinicpal of Foyle View - who has crafted a poignant and compelling story, told with an absorbing mix of humour, insight and affection.

Charlie has long pursued creative writing as a hobby producing short stories and pieces for local radio but this was his first major work.

"It is a different approach to writing for the radio or short stories. You have to develope the characters more and keep track of the various plot lines while always trying to retain the reader's interest," he said.

"But I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and learned a lot from working with the team at Guildhall Press. They helped greatly and I am thankful to them and the Arts Council for giving me this opportunity. Here's hoping everyone enjoys reading it."