A FORMER oil rig worker has published a book he wrote for his children almost 20 years ago about his experiences offshore.

Peter Brunton, of Stainton Village, near Middlesbrough, wrote Sally the Oil Rig Seal after watching a seal swim up close to the oil rig he was working on in the North Sea.

The 63-year-old used to read the book to his children and recently decided to get it published.

He has created a performance, including a song, which he uses to explain the book to young audiences in bookshops around the country.

Mr Brunton, who spent 25 years working as an offshore lab technician, said: “The book has been well received, I have been very pleased.

“My children loved it when they were little and hopefully the youngsters of today like it just as much.

“When you have a book published, it does not just roll off the shelves, you have got to get out there and sell it yourself and that is what I am doing.”