A south Essex thriller-writer is celebrating success across the Atlantic - but admits his dream is still to see his books published here as well.

Bob Bridge now has four novels in print in Canada - three featuring former Met policeman Jim Bent, plus a forth, Kinmel Revisited, which is based on a true story.

Mr Bridge, who writes as Robert J Bridge, is now waiting for publisher PublishAmerica to bring out his fifth book, the Black and White House.

Mr Bridge, 69, of Dovecote, Shoebury, said: "I've been writing for many years and it was such a surprise when a Canadian company said it wanted to publish my books.

"I kept sending manuscripts to publishers in England, but then I got the internet and contacted people abroad. I still keep pinching myself and it hasn't sunk in, but I'm delighted."

The Hell Bent series and Kinmel Revisited are now on sale in 550-odd shops across Canada.

The Black and White House, about a penniless boy who grows up to become a senator, will be available from March.

Mr Bridge, who is Southend born and bred, said: "The books seem to be doing well. I would obviously like them to be published here.

Hopefully, if they do well in Canada and America, they will be."