A semi-retired copywriter from Ceredigion has turned his hand to writing a book after receiving inspiration from his late uncle.

When Tom Jenkins from Aberaeron retired last year, he wanted to continue writing and tried out a number of ideas, with limited success.

It wasn’t until he glanced at a photograph of his late uncle John that inspiration struck, and a vision of writing a number of short stories about him came to mind, which is rather appropriate given his late relative’s occupation.

“I’d tried writing detective novels and children’s books,” said Tom, “and in the room where I write there’s a picture of my uncle John, who was a vicar. I looked up and saw him smiling down on me, and I imagined him saying, ‘Write about me!’.

“He was very flamboyant and I thought, ‘Yes!’”

The result is Rev. Dai, a book of comic short stories about a retired Ceredigion vicar with attitude.

And with a ringing endorsement by the Welsh comedian, singer and entertainer, Max Boyce, it’s bound to do well.

“Max has given me a nice quote,” said Tom, who lives in Neuaddlwyd, just outside Aberaeron.

“Years ago, when I was working in advertising, a brief came up for Max and I met him. He was lovely, so nice.

“I decided to send a copy of the book to his agent. I didn’t think he’d remember me but he sent a lovely handwritten note.”

Commenting on the book, the comedian said: "Reading Rev. Dai with much enjoyment. Loved the Dylan Thomas story."

“Regarding the story Max refers to, Rev. Dai and the Poet, a couple of people have been a little concerned that I am taking liberties with Dylan Thomas’ reputation, but I’m sure he would have enjoyed it,” said Tom.

“When I first started in the advertising business, Dylan’s son, Llewelyn, was my boss. I know he’d have liked the story, and from what Llewelyn told me, his father shared his quirky sense of humour.”

Rev. Dai took Tom, 67, about a year to write.

“It’s fiction, but inspired by my uncle John.

“He was into the supernatural and was an exorcist. There’s a story about exorcism in the book.

“He’s an uncle from my father’s side, and he was from Llanon.”

See this week’s south papers for the full feature, available in shops and as a digital edition now