WEST Hagley resident Hugh Maw has written a book about his experiences in war-torn Germany during the aftermath of World War Two.

The 94-year-old kept a diary of his time working for the Friends Relief Service in post war Germany.

He was based in Berlin and Cologne as an ambulance and truck driver where he delivered International Red Cross food and relieve supplies.

His book, The Training and Experience of a Quaker Relief Worker, has already created considerable interest.

Hugh was born in 1920 to a Quaker family and was the fourth son of medical missionaries.

He said: " I had the book published because people kept asking for my original diaries. They were urging me to put the diaries into print.

"I'm not trying to make money out of them. If, indeed the book does make money I want it to go to Quakers working in Berlin and Cologne, together with Palastinian medical charities.

"There has already been quite a demand for the book."

Hugh was based in Germany from 1946 to 1948 when they endured one of the harshest winters on record.

He recalled: "The conditions were dreadful that winter. We were below freezing for weeks and weeks. We had little or no electricity because the Russians wouldn't allow it."

Following his time in Germany, he spent a lifetime in teaching and lecturing after graduating from both Bristol and Birmingham Universities where he studied biology.

He also has a teaching diploma in child psychology and helped start the youth counselling services in Birmingham.

He moved to West Hagley in 1965.

In 1996, Hugh was invited along with other veteran relief workers from the American Friends Service Committee and the Friends Relief Service to the opening of the Stille Helfer Exhibition of Quaker Relief Work at the Berlin Historical.

The following year, he was guest of honour at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Karolinger Youth House.

Hugh's book is now available to order at www.lulu.com/wordsbydesign