A local author has tried his hand at fictional writing for the first time with an unusual sequel to an English classic.

Jonathon Pinnock’s first attempt at fiction is Mrs Darcey Vs The Aliens, the next chapter of Jane Austin’s classic Pride and Prejudice with added aliens and monsters.

The book was released at the beginning of September, and after a month long blog tour around the country the St Albans author was glad to bring his book back to his home town with a launch last night.

Mr Pinnock, who writes alongside his career as a software developer, said: “I think some people have been a bit taken back by it but once they read it they like it.

“I’ve written it with affection for the original rather than attacking it.”

More than 50 people attended the book launch, which was held at Waterstones in St Albans town centre.

The father of two has spent about four years working on the book after coming up with the idea whilst in the pub with some friends.

Before being discovered by a publisher, Mr Pinnock’s work was serialised on the book’s website for a year.