THE story of a fictional village inspired by rural Dorset has gone to print more than 20 years after the concept was first put in motion.

Brian George, 68, who is a retired civil servant, came up with his tale Lottery Mania back in the 1990s, however he was unable to secure the support of a publisher.

Now, with the progress of self-publication, Mr George has released his book based in the made up village of Swindle Matravers.

The story features real Dorset locations including Corfe Castle.

Mr George, who lives near Nottingham, said: "This rural area of Dorset is a place I have visited an awful lot and I really like using Corfe Castle in the book.

"I was always interested in the history of the castle and how it stands out. I thought it was well worth including in the story."

Lottery Mania is set around 1996 to 1998 and features a failed criminal Sidney Johnson who receives a letter from his mother, who lives in Corfe Castle, telling him of a raffle ticket that has one a large monetary prize.

Before he arrives his mother passes away and news of the raffle prize, which is in fact for the lottery, spreads across the area.

Chaos ensues and people, including the mischievous people of Swindle Matravers, race to get their hands on the ticket before it expires.

The original manuscript for Lottery Mania, which the author describes as a comedy, was shortlisted for the Peter Pook Comedy novel award for unpublished manuscripts.

Mr George plans to release his trilogy of stories, which all focus on the residents of Swindle Matravers.

After not publishing them for many years, he took the decision to release them in memory of his sister, Patricia, who worked for many years as a teacher at Twynham School in Christchurch.

"Pat was a school teacher and I visited her often," Mr George added.

"She often came round with me on walks to Corfe Castle.

"She wasn't particularly someone who encouraged me to write, but when I go to Dorset I think of her and thought it would be fitting to release the books in her memory."