A Bradford writer is celebrating literary success – at the age of 13.

Umilinda Pereira is already planning a series of follow-ups to his debut novel, One Way Ticket To Your Doom, published this month.

The adventure story, aimed at teenagers, follows five youngsters travelling on a hijacked train.

Umilinda, of Canterbury, Bradford, said: “I’m inspired by Enid Blyton, especially her Famous Five and Secret Seven books. I like old fashioned adventure stories, that was the kind of thing I wanted to write.

“I’ve always liked writing – but maths is my favourite subject. I got the idea for the book coming home from school one day. I got off the bus and just thought of this adventure about a group of friends. It took about 18 months to write, then my mum looked on the internet and found a publisher.

‘‘It feels great to have my first book published. My family and teachers are very proud. I’d like to write a series of adventures based on the same characters.”

Copies of Umilinda’s novel will be distributed in the library of his school, Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College.

Head of English Neil Wood said: “We’re very proud of Umilinda. Writing a novel is a great achievement for an adult, let alone someone his age. Umilinda is an inspiration for other students – when they see that someone their own age can do something like that it spurs them on.

“Umilinda could be the next JK Rowling!” l One Way Ticket To Your Doom is published by Authorhouse and available from authorhouse.co.uk priced £5.99 and amazon.co.uk priced £7.99.