By Emily O'Donoghue

A COUNTY council worker has fulfilled a “lifetime ambition” by writing his own book.

Steve Brotherton, 55, works as a senior manager in adult services for Worcestershire County Council.

His novel, Another Shot, follows two teenage sweethearts, Jo-Jo and Freddie, who reunite 35-years after the end of their relationship.

Steve said: “The book is loosely based on a romance I had at a similar age. It was a first love relationship that has always left me wondering, what if?

“The story is about lost love and second chances. It’s not an autobiography but there is a lot of semi-autobiographical information in there. It’s largely set in Walsall in the West Midlands, where I grew up.

“I’ve wanted to write it all my life, since I was at school.’’

Although the book echoes teenage memories for the council worker – with culture references to the time it was set in the 1970s and 1980s, and the characters being formed to represent people he knew at that time – Steve says he hasn’t had a reunion with his former love.

“I don’t know where my ex-partner is now, and there hasn’t been a real-life reunion, but I do wonder if she remembers me and if her memories of our relationship are the same as mine,” he said.

The novel has been praised in reviews, and a number of readers are calling for a follow up to the cliff-hanger ending.

Steve, who now lives in Telford, said to expect a sequel before the end of the year.