A SUFFOLK author has launched his new novel at the historic World War Two airfield where the action is set.

A SUFFOLK author has launched his new novel at the historic World War Two airfield where the action is set.

At the age of 83, Eric Vanlint, who was awarded an MBE in The New Year's Honours for Literature and charity in East Anglia, has completed his first novel, The Flame of Love and War.

The book is all about the lives of airmen stationed at Wattisham in the early years of World War Two and has been released to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the start of the conflict.

Mr Vanlint's wife Doreen died from cancer in 1996 and the �120,000 proceeds of his previous nine books have been donated to various hospices and charities.

The proceeds of the new novel, which has been authenticated by the RAF and has a foreword by former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Michael Graydon, will be donated to the Farleigh Hospice.

Mr Vanlint, who now lives between the villages of Brettenham and Hitcham, said: “I am delighted to be working with Farleigh Hospice on this project and extremely pleased that, with their help, the book has been published and made available to the general public.

“World War Two is, in my opinion, the only war which we can truthfully say without contradiction that we were in the right.

“Very few people have much knowledge pre-Battle of Britain and I think it is important to raise awareness of the real bravery shown by our men during World War Two.

“Over the past years I have had much contact and involvement with the hospice movement, who do such a wonderful job and I know rely on the generosity of the local community members to enable them to continue providing their excellent and essential services.

“If The Flame of Love and War sells well, it will hopefully raise around �20,000 for this more than worthwhile cause.”

nThe book is priced just �5.00 and copies can be obtained from any of Farleigh Hospice's charity shops or online at www.farleighhospice.org.