A local author's debut novel has been selected for inclusion in the library of the British Interplanetary Society (BIS) at their London headquarters.

Chell resident, Brendan Nugent, released his first novel, 'The Sentient Ones', in November last year with an official launch at Vellichor books in Hanley.

The novel is told through the eyes of the Stoke-on-Trent-born narrator in the year 2070 after AI robots have taken over the earth in an attempt to tackle climate change.

Published by Chronos Publishing, the book was described as a "fast-paced dystopian thriller" by Richard Hayes, editor of the BIS arts and culture magazine Odyssey in a recent review.

Brendan said: "As the world's oldest space organisation, the BIS curates a specialist collection, so it's a real honour to see the book added to their Sci‑Fi shelves, alongside books from such greats as: Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov."

The BIS, a membership society that promotes the exploration and use of space for the benefit of humanity, primarily holds works on spaceflight and astronomy, in its library, with a growing speculative‑fiction section.

'The Sentient Ones' had been sent for review by Clive Simpson, editor of the book and winner of an Arthur C. Clarke Award.

Brendan said: "It's been an extraordinary journey. From seeing my book published and stocked in bookshops, to receiving this recognition from such a prestigious scientific organisation."

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He added: "To have it placed alongside authors such as Arthur C. Clarke (including signed first editions), Carl Sagan, Sir Patrick Moore and Stephen Baxter, is a genuine honour. My novel will be in very good company.

"Not bad for a working‑class boy from Stoke‑on‑Trent who grew up in a council house."

The sequel to 'The Sentient Ones, called 'Thanatos Ascendancy is due to be released later this year.

Brendan is also working on several other projects including a sci‑fi/fantasy novel, called 'The Lithic Children' initially set in Barlaston and Stone, as well as a historical novel, called 'Under Elm Forest', about a family in Newcastle‑under‑Lyme living through the Second World War.