CHEPSTOW locals were treated to an afternoon with Irish actor Chris O’Dowd during his tour to promote his new children’s book ‘Moone Boy: The Blunder Years”.

The book, co-written alongside Nick Murphy, is based on the popular TV sitcom, Moone Boy, which follows the life of 12-year-old Martin Moone and his imaginary friend Sean.

During the question and answer session at the Drill Hall in Chepstow, this afternoon, Mr O’Dowd, who appeared in the IT Crowd and the film The Sapphires, had adoring fans in fits of laughter as he explained how the book is semi-autobiographical as growing up with three sisters, he can relate to the main character, who invents an imaginary friend to help him through life surrounded by women.

Mr O’Dowd, who described his Gwent fans as “absolutely fantastic” said: “Writing the book allowed us to breathe; there were fewer deadlines which was very freeing.”

Both authors write the chapters and sections individually then collaborate together for the editing process. Mr O’Dowd said: “The best thing about working together is that you have the ability to reach an idea that you couldn’t have come up with individually, and you only have to write half as much!”

The television show has already proved very successful and Mr O’Dowd and Mr Murphy hope for the same success with the book. Mr O’Dowd said: “It’s very rewarding writing for children, getting them into reading is very important and even though there are undertones of adult humour in the book, it’s mainly about the children.”

Mr O’Dowd and Mr Murphy have plans to write a sequel to Moone Boy next year and will continue to write more providing the fans show interest. Moone Boy is now on sale for £7.99.