A former headteacher from north Norfolk has embraced new technology to fulfil a life-long dream of becoming a novelist – inspired by the heart-breaking death of his wife.

Bill Jervis, of Cromer Road, West Runton, has successfully completed 'The O'Grady Quintet' – a historical five-novel project based along the coast of our region – and self-published them as e-books using the digital platform Kindle.

The 78-year-old first thought about writing the novels after the death of his wife Nancy almost seven years ago.

He said: 'After Nancy died I had to just fill every moment of every hour so writing became my outlet and support. People handle bereavement in so many ways and in my case I felt I had to occupy all of my time.'

The couple married in September 1954 and had three-children but in 2005 Nancy died from lung disease, bronchiectasis.

Hobby artist Mr Jervis, who penned 500,000 words in under two years. said: 'I think if Nancy was here she'd be really pleased for me.

'She had to put up with all this artist stuff over the years and she encouraged me the whole time.'

He has also illustrated his e-book covers, and was first inspired to use the electronic book Kindle when his son bought one.

He said: 'He showed me his and I thought that it would be a really great way to launch my work.'

The former headmaster and supply English and history teacher in more than 35 Norfolk schools, described the publishing process as 'easy' and said he was delighted to have dedicated them all to Nancy.

He added: 'The books are mainly set in the fictitious Norfolk village 'Runthouse' – based between Salthouse and Blakeney – and takes place during the industrial revolution, following the story of the O'Grady brothers when they leave Ireland.

'Writing is something I've always done and I'm excited to have launched my novels in this way. I'm a great fan of the internet because it's brilliant in so many ways.'

- To purchase Mr Jervis's books or to read sample chapters visit Amazon's Kindle store online at www.amazon.co.uk