AN AUTHOR who has published his first novel has told how the story was inspired by a piece of family history.

Retired social worker Derek Mellor’s novel The Lucy Effect is set in the time of the First World War with parts of the story are based in St Helens where Derek lived for 10 years.

The book, which is also based in Liverpool and the Isle of Man, follows the story of a German father trying to reunite with his son after they are separated following the torpedoing of the Lusitania in 1915.

“My grandfather, who lived in Chester, had a German friend, Paul Roth, who was staying with him when the First World War started,” explains Derek, 68, who was born in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

“He was subsequently interned on the Isle of Man and they never had any contact with each other from that time onwards.

“According to records Paul was repatriated to Germany in 1919. The war brought enmity between the two nations and all social and cultural contacts were severed in the early 1920s.

“A couple of years ago on discovering the story of my grandfather's lost friend, I became interested in trying to trace the descendants of Paul in Frankfurt but we didn't get anywhere.

“So the next best thing was to write a fictional tale about Paul Roth.”

Derek lived in Crab Street from 1962 to 1972 and several parts of the area are featured in the story, including Cowley Boys School, Dentons Green, St Helens Central railway station, Whiston Hospital and Rainhill station.

“Living in St Helens were some of the happiest times of my life. I still see friends who all live there on a regular basis and of course support Saints even though I now live in Widnes,” added Derek, who says telling stories to his grandson also helped inspire him to pick up his pen.

“The nice thing about what's happened to me in writing the novel is that I've fulfilled a lifetime dream.

“I've always enjoyed writing and always had ideas floating around in my head and written several short stories. Everyone has it in them - to fulfil a dream and it’s a special experience,” added Derek.