A PENSIONER who set out to impress his granddaughter by writing a bedtime story is set to release a series of books for young children.

Paul Joynson, 71, of Poplar Close, Halstead, has already released the first of his ‘Mingoes’ books which is made up of a collection of poems.

Mr Joynson, a former Easy Jet auditor who travelled around the world before retiring ten years ago, began writing the Mingoes series after being told by his four-year old granddaughter Amelia that his story writing skills weren’t up to scratch.

He said: “I never really had the urge to write before, it was my granddaughter who was the inspiration really.

“It started at a family meal with someone twisting a pink serviette and asking her what she saw. Her reply was ‘a Mingoe’.

“She meant Flamingo but hasn’t worked out how to say it yet.

“She’s flamingo mad though so I had the idea of writing something silly for her to read at bedtime that night.

“I scribbled something down but she just wanted to have Mr Men read to her.

“I guess the gauntlet was laid down there and then.”

Keen to prove to Amelia he was capable of writing something as exciting as the Mr Men series, Mr Joynson soon began work on a collection of poems titled Mingoes.

The series follows a group of flamingoes who go on adventures together and inevitably have some mishaps along the way.

Once the poems were written, Mr Joynson and his wife, Jeanette, then spent three weeks working on the illustrations for the book before then having the help of son Oliver in the printing process.

100 books have been printed and having sold his first book at the end of October, Mr Joynson has already seen more than 30 bought by customers.

And much to his delight, the Mingoe poems have been met with approval by granddaughter Amelia.

He added: “She really enjoys them so I think I can say I passed the test.

“We won’t get the coverage you’d get if you were selling in stores or online.

“Books this size aren’t going to be making loads of money.

“But the kids seem to absolutely love it and enjoy the silly stories. I think the stupidity was built into me but I’m quite excited by it all and where it will take me.”

Mr Joynson is aiming to have his second Mingoes book printed and on sale this month. He has two further books ready to print and is also working towards publishing other children’s stories. To find out more, visit https://www.facebook.com/mingoesadventure/.