A FORMER Pilks shift worker is sketching out a colourful new career for himself…after signing a five-book deal.

Dave Broadfoot grafted away as a Pilks shift worker for 33 years but after taking redundancy a free college writing course helped unearth his creative streak Imaginative Dave, aged 59, has illustrated his comical childhood memories with cartoons, in his first book, ‘Billy R Kid’, which has just been published.

It’s on the shelves of book stores like WH Smith and Waterstones.

Growing up in the slums in Liverpool and the monstrous dishes of food he would be served are among his sources of inspiration.

He said: “I remember as a kid this horrible food being plonked in front of me.

“It was really cheap and filled a plate. We also had to eat tripe.”

Dave, of Kempton Close, Newton-le-Willows had always been able to draw but it was the course St Helens College, in 2009, that helped his talent shine.

He said: “I’ve always been able to draw. Whenever anyone made a boo-boo, I could always take the mickey out of them at work. But I never had any formal training.”

His tutor, Dave Grey, encouraged him to combine his artistic skills with words.

“I saw all these horrible tales about child abuse and thought I’d write about my happy childhood,” said Dave, whose late dad, Norman, was a docker.

Dave spent 18 months developing his idea and was thrilled when the third publisher he approached accepted his manuscript.

He added: “I’m over the moon. He signed me up for a five year contract.

“I’ve got four more books lined up. Now I’ve started the second one.

“It’s a weird feeling seeing your name on the bookshelves of a shop. I haven’t told the lads I worked with. I’ll surprise them with it.”

Dave, married to Joyce, aged 59, has a daughter, Sarah, aged 33.

He is a keen runner and has competed in marathons and triathalons.

Dave’s book costs £7.99 and is published by Bluecoat Press.

It is available from W H Smith and Waterstones