A PROLIFIC Haworth author has released a "gritty" new book.

William Forde, of West Lane, has published Come Back Peter. He says the work pulls no punches, and draws on his own professional experiences to take aim at the British family courts' treatment of parents.

"The story is set in Mirfield, Halifax and surrounding areas between 1960s and the 1980s," he said.

"I lived and worked in this area for over 40 years. It's a story that's relevant to all children who have a poor relationship with their mothers, and is particularly relevant to parents who feel they've been badly treated by the court system.

"I've drawn heavily upon my 25-years of experience as a probation officer and court welfare officer and as an access parent many years ago."

Mr Forde has lived in Haworth since 2010 after moving from Mirfield, and has completed 65 published books.

In 2013 he was diagnosed with a terminal illness and last year received nine months of chemotherapy treatment.

Despite his ill health, during the past three years he has written a dozen romantic stories, plus two "strictly for adult novels" – Rebecca’s Revenge and Come Back Peter.

"All profits from book sales will be given to charitable causes," he said.

Come Back Peter can be bought in e-book format from Amazon, lulu.com or smashwords.com People can also visit Amazon or lulu.com for a hard copy version.