A BASINGSTOKE man, who wrote a book when his twin daughters were 10, is celebrating getting it published – 20 years later.

Richard Hornblow wrote a collection of short animal-based poems in his spare time away from running his own business two decades ago.

The 63-year-old founded The Consultancy Corporation in 1987, an IT recruitment agency, and it was later rebranded as Metaskil, which is now based in Calleva Park, in Aldermaston.

The book, “Animal Shorts”, was compiled in 1994 when Richard’s daughters Samantha and Emma were 10. It is a compilation of 20 fun poems with animals featuring dogs, cats, hippos, a tortoise and a chimpanzee. It also includes a fascinating fact about each animal that is featured.

The grandfather-of-four, who lives in Reading Road, was delighted when Classic Comic Store agreed to publish the book.

He told The Gazette: “I am very proud of it, and it is nice because my children now have children of their own. They aren’t quite old enough to understand it but they will be soon.

“I decided to do it because I sold my business in October 2013, and it took me another year to get it published.”

He added: “My children have said they are really pleased with it. I wrote it 20 years ago when my twin daughters, who are now 30, were 10 years old.

“I wrote about 35 sorts of animals so there may be a sequel if the book does well.”

The book is available from all book-selling websites, and retails at £5.99.