FOR most people retirement is a chance to take things easy but one Wrexham grandad has other ideas, and has written a book.

When John Williams, 67, who lives on the Goulbourne Estate, ended his 40 plus years of working in the financial environment in 2018, he wasn't quite ready to put his feet up.

The former financial advisor decided to test himself, taking on a degree. Not interested in picking up a golf club, he enrolled at Wrexham Glyndŵr University to study history, graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in 2021.

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It was during his studies that the grandad-of-two would discover his flair for writing, specifically for children.

John, who also volunteers for the Canal and River Trust, said: "As part of the first year of my history degree course, I was required to study an 'elective' humanities subject for one semester.

"I chose 'Writing for Children' and, with no previous experience of this, I was tasked with authoring a short story at about 5,000 words.

"My tutor, himself a published author, liked my Raymond and Bonnie story and believed there was scope to develop further stories involving this feathered pair

"I found it quite straightforward to write something, and really got to enjoy it."

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The birds in question, plucky, brave and well-read robin Raymond and nosy, easily distracted but full of common sense blue tit Bonnie, get into all sorts of adventures.

Their debut, and John's first book, is Adventures with Raymond and Bonnie: The Deserted Cottage. It features the pair's bid to save a friendly gentleman and his cottage from some suspicious strangers, with a dramatic twist at the end.

If Raymond and Bonnie's tale proves a success, John is prepared, adding: "I was enthused by the experience and have since written another Raymond and Bonnie adventure."

Adventures with Raymond and Bonnie: The Deserted Cottage, illustrated by Simon Goodway, is suitable for children aged seven to nine years. The book is £7.99 available online from Troubador Publishing, Amazon, Waterstones and other book retailers throughout the world.