A doctor is to have a book published - nearly 22 years after his death.

Anthony Shearman, a GP in Twickenham, died in November 1987, at the age of 72, however on Wednesday a children’s story written by the Teddington-born doctor is to have its official launch.

The Anxious Owl - written by Dr Shearman, who was also known as William - is to have a private launch at Orleans House Gallery.

Christine Baker, Dr Shearman’s daughter, has been the driving force behind getting the book published and said money raised would be going to charity.

Mrs Baker explained her father, who was a doctor at Cross Deep surgery from 1939 to 1982, had an involvement with what is now the Shaftesbury Young People charity, which is committed to improving the lives of children and young people in care and need. Sales of the book will benefit the good cause.

“A donation from each copy will go to Shaftesbury Young People,” she said.

“It was formerly known as Shaftesbury Homes and Arethusa and Fortescue House, in Hampton Road, Twickenham, was a former Shaftesbury Home.

“My father was the medical officer to fortescue House until it’s closure and a pupil at medical officer at The Mall School.”

Mrs Baker said the Anxious Owl was a tale for children which tells of the arrival of an owl on the bedroom windowsill of two children, Paul and Susan, and their adventures together.

The book has been illustrated by Wendy Rugman, of Kew, and published by Peter McCall, a Wokingham-based doctor.

Dr McCall, whose father worked at a Shaftesbury home, said the illustrations were beautiful and his granddaughter was transfixed.

The book costs £6 and is out on October 1. Copies are available at Langton’s Bookshop, in Church Street, Twickenham.