A former Aviva worker whose wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis has had his first book published.

David Canning started to pen Out of the Clouds of Deceit after he was made redundant from the Norwich-based insurance firm, where he had worked for the best part of 20 years. The redundancy at the end of 2008 coincided with his wife Claire's diagnosis of the neurological condition.

Mr Canning struggled to get into full-time work again but instead focused his attention on writing his book while undertaking short-term contract roles with charities and undertaking a teaching qualification.

His book is set to be officially published on December 1.

Mr Canning, 53, who lives off Sunningdale in Eaton with his wife and their two children Ted, 19, and Connie, 16, said: 'It's always been a dream to be published. You get a tremendous sense of satisfaction to see the finished book.

'It's a great achievement and although it would be nice if it sells well, just seeing it there is fantastic.'

The 320-page novel is set between 1946 and 1965, during the cold war period, and follows the fortunes of RAF pilot Aiden, his friendship with fellow pilot Dennis and his wife Margaret.

It also looks at the issues surrounding Operation Grapple – the UK nuclear testing program for the development of the hydrogen bomb in the 1950s – and radiation exposure.

Mr Canning, who has been influenced by authors including Robery Bly, has self-published the book with Matador. The front page illustration is by his friend Paul Richardson.

Its retail price is �8.99. It will be available in Norwich book shops and online.