A SIXTH form student at a Dales school has edited and helped design and produce a paperback book of new ghost stories.

When he was selected to go on a working visit to the Amala Children’s Home in India, 17-yearold Timothy Parker Russell from Carlton, who attends the Wensleydale School, Leyburn, knew he would have to raise £1,500 himself.

He said: “Last September, when I heard I was selected to visit the home, I knew that I would have to raise the cash myself.

“So I sat down with my parents who are both publishers and the idea of a book came up. As I love ghost stories and the supernatural, the subject was an obvious choice.”

Tim then sent out a call for submissions and received back 130 quality replies from around the world. He then set about the difficult task of selecting the best. He did, however, need two things – a Dales tale, and a story set in India.

Tim received two suitable stories from India, but didn’t have a Dales story.

So the would-be editor turned to his mum and dad, who came up with the goods. Mother Rosalie Parker’s story Oracle is set in Coverdale and father Ray Russell penned a subtle tale of Arkengarthdale in The Paschal Candlestick. The resultant paperback, Dark World, contains 14 short stories from some of the best writers in their field, many of which have been specially written for this book. The jacket illustration is by Stephen J Clark, who along with all the other contributors donated his work free of charge. Tim’s father Ray said: “We are both very proud of our son who has put a great deal of work into creating this book.

“It has been featured in both The Guardian and The Independent newspapers.”

Headteacher at the Wensleydale School, Graham Parker, said: “ It is a tremendous achievement at the age of 17 for Tim to come up with such an innovative idea to raise money. The end result will provide a great boost to Amala.”

Tim, who is to read English at university following his A-levels, can now breathe a sigh of relief. He has sold over 100 copies and is already considering a reprint. He said: “It has been seriously hard work reading, deciding and organising. I couldn’t have done it without my parents’ help and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed.”

  • Dark World was published by North Yorkshire firm Tartarus Press priced £14.95. It can be ordered from the Tartarus Press website www.tartaruspress.com, Leyburn Tourist Information Office, West Witton post office, or Wensleydale School reception.