A DAD has written a book based on his childhood adventures in the Wye Valley.

Ian Crawford, 56, of Church Road, Caldicot, has self-published his first book, The Dragon Tree, about two children who are transported in time to when an evil sorcerer ruled the valley.

The children, Cody and Shannon, are taken back 1,000 years to when Azagard, the last dragon, fought a battle to the death with an evil sorcerer called Mortazar.

Unfortunately after killing Mortazar, Azagard was cursed to live the rest of his life as a tree somewhere in a Welsh valley, never to eat meat or fly again and only to drink rainwater from his roots.

The tale involves forest living creatures called Grockles and evil creatures summoned from a place beneath the valley called the Deephollows.

Mr Crawford, a taxi driver, has long told the story to his six children, who persuaded him to put it into writing.

“My father always warned me about the valley and to be careful but like the children in the book I ignored the warnings,” said Mr Crawford, who is planning a sequel.

“I subsequently told my own children the Dragon Tree story and they insisted I put it into writing one day.

“So perhaps when I’m gone my children’s children will still be hearing about their grandfather’s adventures with the Wye Valley dragon.”

Shoppers came to get a signed copy of the book at #Coffee1 in Chepstow on Saturday, with around 30 copies sold. Another book signing is planned for Friday, June 2 at Tesco in Station Road, Chepstow.

The book is available on Amazon priced at £7 at amazon.co.uk/Dragon-Tree-Ian-Crawford/dp/1514317494.