A SOUTH Durham army veteran who was inspired to record his military experiences has published his first novel in memory of his father.

Ian Varty, of West Auckland, spent more than two decades in the British Army during which he served overseas and alongside his father in the same regiment.

Following his father Tommy Varty's death in 2010 from cancer, the 52-year-old decided he wanted to recount the memories they shared and started writing his book From Denim to Khaki at the beginning of last year.

Although it is fiction, the tale is based on the father-of-two's personal experiences and strives to show the "hardships that face the modern soldier".

"Like everything in life you never appreciate things until they are gone," said Mr Varty, originally of Sedgefield. "I've got a lot of vivid memories and have had situations reminded to me at association meetings.

"I think it's good to share the good times and bad times.

"It's an insight into a soldier's life which is aimed at anyone, not just military.

"The bond of friendship and brotherhood that binds these modern day knights cannot be underestimated."

The novel is about a young man who joins the Army to explore the world and tracks his military career through the Cold War and ends in Northern Ireland.

It is the first in a trilogy which will take the main character from his home town to Germany and Afghanistan, mapping along the way how his experiences change him.

Mr Varty, who works in IT at Newton Aycliffe-based Compound Photonics, has dedicated the self-published title to his father who he said had a "big influence" on his life.

From Denim to Khaki was released in paperback and on Amazon Kindle last month (December).

"So far people I know who have bought it say they are thoroughly enjoying it," he added.

Mr Varty, who is now half way through his second novel, will be donating 25 per cent of any royalties made his books to Combat Stress, a mental health charity for veterans.