AN acclaimed Bradford author well-known in the Pakistani community has written his first novel in English following demand from readers.

Dr Maqsood Ellahie Sheikh wrote his nine previous novels in his native language, Urdu - all of which have been successful.

He said that while one of his novels had been translated into English, this was the first time he had written his own novel in the language.

"I had never written anything in English before, but I had to because some of my friends were demanding that they wanted to read my work and couldn’t read Urdu," he said.

"This is the third generation of my novel. I first wrote it in Urdu, and it has been translated but this is a version I have written myself.

"It is one of my most popular novels, and is very popular in Pakistan."

The novel, which is titled Dil Ik Band Kali, which translates to My Heart a Rosebud, tells the story of a family of Pakistani immigrants settling in the UK. It explores how they adapt and fit in to life and the community in a new country.

Dr Ellahie Sheikh, who has lived in Heaton for more than 40 years, said his novels were acclaimed in Pakistan.

He has been awarded special credentials for his services to Urdu, including the 2002 award for best creative work of Urdu fiction, and has also worked for Urdu newspaper the Daily Ravi.

In recognition of his literary success, Dr Ellahie Sheikh was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford for his contribution to modern Urdu literature in 2013.

Talking about the award, he said: "I cherish it very much. I was awarded it in 2013 and have been trying to find out how it came about ever since!

"It was a lifetime achievement award for me to receive the degree from the university.

"What a goodwill gesture it was to bring the communities together and to help them respect each other."

Judy Wall, a friend and fan of Dr Ellahie Sheikh, described him as a talented, natural storyteller who was committed to building bridges between different communities through his narrative.

Dr Najeeba Arif, head of the Urdu department at the International University in Islamabad, also praised Dr Ellahie Sheikh’s focus on the psychological aspects of his characters in his work.