AUTHOR Mike Evers was inspired to write his first children’s novel by Mirfield’s connections with the legend of Robin Hood.

Mike, 42, of Stocks Bank Road, Mirfield, has published his first printed book The Spirit Archer aimed at 11-14-year-olds.

Dad-of-one Mike, who teaches English at Kirklees College in Dewsbury, grew up in South Wales. He first came to West Yorkshire in 2004 and later settled in Mirfield.

He became fascinated by the local connections to the outlaw Robin Hood.

Legend has it that Robin was poisoned by the prioress at Kirklees Priory. He is said to have fired an arrow from his deathbed and was buried where it landed.

A monument at the supposed grave still exists on the Kirklees Estate at Cooper Bridge. The grave is on privately-owned land and opens only rarely to the public.

Mike said: “The legend of Robin Hood goes back 400 or 500 years, and I have always been interested in legends and local history.

“I couldn’t believe it when I chatted to people and asked if they knew Robin Hood was buried behind the Three Nuns pub and they either didn’t know or weren’t very interested.”

Mike’s novella – a short novel – is about a teenager called Jamie who is studying for his A-levels while coping with family problems.

He discovers Robin Hood’s grave and is helped by the spirit of the archer who becomes his guide.

Robin also reveals a few secrets along the way.

Mike’s first publication was an e-book called The Chaosifier and it was contacts he made with that which helped him land an American publisher for his novella.

The book is selling well and is also available to borrow from Mirfield Library.

Mike is now working on another children’s story which he hopes to finish over the summer.

The Spirit Archer is available on Amazon at £3.75 plus P&P or on Kindle at £1.97.

Mike can be contacted about availability on:TheMountainLord@gmail.com.