A 12-YEAR-OLD boy on crutches, a Sherpa and the highest mountain on earth are at the heart of a new book by a man from Pembroke Dock.

Former Pembrokeshire College health lecturer, Nigel Bernard, 53, has just published his first children’s book, ‘Charlie Lupton’s Sherpa Adventure’.

Nigel gave up his job in 2011 to be a full-time carer for his mother-in-law who sadly died last year.

While at the college, Nigel penned the adventures of Jess and Scruff, a farm girl and a pony, for a colleague’s daughter.

After spending six years writing for pleasure, Nigel has decided to have a “proper go” at being an author.

The book tells the story of Charlie Lupton, who refuses to walk without crutches after a downhill run in his go-kart ends in disaster.

But a Sherpa from Nepal gives him new courage. With a night in a storm, an avalanche, and the challenge of getting the school pennant to the top of Everest, this is one adventure Charlie will never forget.

“I hope children will find it exciting and humorous,” he said. “Hopefully, too, they will learn a little about the Sherpas and Everest.

“I have always been interested in mountaineering, although more of an armchair mountaineer than actually climbing.”

He added: “Although I have published the book myself, in the future perhaps another publisher will take interest in the books.

“In the meantime, I am enjoying the privilege of writing for children in the hope that it will excite and educate them and encourage them to read more.

Pembroke Dock provides endless inspiration for Nigel. “It’s a great place to write,” he said.

“When you’re by the water, you’ve got all these things going on so what I wanted to do is use that.

“It’s an exciting place to live. When you’re by the water, you get to see all the comings and goings - ships, boats, helicopters, wildlife.”

Nigel’s already thinking about the sequel to Charlie’s first adventure.