A PART-TIME pirate-come drama teacher from North Oxfordshire has published his first children's book.

Lawrence Prestidge, 26, has worked with children all his life, from a stint at Disneyland and as a Jack Sparrow impersonator for the Make-a-Wish foundation to teaching at North Oxfordshire Academy.

Mr Prestidge, from Great Bourton, has now used that passion for working with children to create his first children's tale entitled Rolo.

He said: "It was whilst I was teaching and doing a bit of babysitting that I started to come up with the idea and the kids wanted to hear more.

"The next six or seven weeks I started to give it a go writing something up.

"I have always enjoyed reading and was influenced by Roald Dahl so wanted the illustrations to be based on that."

The story follows a little boy, Max, who lives with his aunt, uncle and cousin, the Whitfield family. Unfortunately the Whitfields are not a loving family and Max decides to run away to the forest and makes an unlikely friend – the nine-foot tall Giant Walpertinger.

The book is aimed at those youngsters aged between five and seven, some of whom Mr Prestidge has been trialling the books on during a primary school tour across the county.

He said: "At 18 years old I worked at Disneyland for two years in the character and parade department and in the stage shows before coming back here to get into drama teaching."

Mr Prestidge also volunteers his time as a Jack Sparrow impersonator for the Make-a-Wish foundation which supports young people with life-threatening conditions.

As the teacher takes time out for the book launch and primary school tour, he is also continuing to providing private mentoring outside of school for children on the autistic spectrum.

Mr Prestidge said: "It has been great, all my friends and family have been really supportive.

"I was actually really nervous going into the primary schools as it is a different kettle of fish but I felt like a celebrity.

"They loved it and one kid even said to me I hope you don't mind me saying but it is the best book I have ever heard - I thought I'll take that."

He hopes to continue the book by creating a series following Rolo and is already toying with ideas including a sweet shop run by a witch.