A poetic pensioner has penned a book to commemorate the Great War after discovering his hidden talent for writing aged 81.

John Giffard, now 84, wrote ‘The Medal’, a collection of short stories and poems for children, to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund.

Grandfather-of-three Mr Giffard, who lives at the Hawthorns, is publishing the book at his own expense and has visited Braintree supermarkets on his mobility scooter to get it onto their shelves.

The retired police officer said the recent commemorations of the start of the First World War inspired him to raise cash the charity, which helps injured and disabled service men and women.

For the full story, see this week's Braintree and Witham Times.