A WEST Molesey dad has helped write a children’s book designed to inspire children to start growing their own fruit and veg.

Sam Frith, 39, is one of four people who created Hugley and the Missing Carrots, which tells the tale of a creature discovering that carrots have been stolen from his patch.

The book, which will officially launch on Tuesday, has been chosen by environmental charity the Eden Project to be sold in its shop in Cornwall.

Mr Frith, of Island Farm Road, said he was inspired after he began growing veg with his children in his own back garden.

He said: “We thought that we could get them to spend time in the garden. They’re growing really high and the children are really proud of them.

“The book looked to the idea of growing your own food, they’ve embraced it.

“When we were doing it, there was no sort of screen involved, we are just trying to create a bit of balance.”

Mr Frith, who works in architecture, began developing the book alongside his friend Ian Hamilton, illustrator Wayne Chisnall and ghost writer Gemma Appleton.

So far the book’s fans include broadcaster Vanessa Feltz.