A businessman turned children's author has been nominated for an equality, diversity and inclusion award.

Saheb Dhesi, who is chief executive of Logistics PLC based in Southfleet, decided to write a book series, called Ty D Sites, aimed at young readers to encourage conversation about construction-related themes.

He wanted to educate them on things such as on-site safety, road safety, the environment, fire safety, equality, diversity and inclusion.

He started out by making a colouring book, which led him to making reading books.

He said: "The latest book, Who Stole the Surveyor’s Lunch, was inspired by a well-publicised, true event which took place during the construction of one of London’s most iconic buildings, The Shard, which my company DGP Logistics PLC was involved in.

"The aim of the book is to highlight a variety of roles within construction, and it will hopefully inspire some of the next generation to be drawn towards an accessible and welcoming industry, open to all regardless of gender, physical ability, race, religion, colour or creed.

"The construction industry isn’t one which children are taught about or encouraged into, so the books are a fun way of letting them know of the jobs that are accessible to them."

He has been nominated for an award at this year's Chartered Institute of Building Awards for the book series, which donates 100% of its profits to construction-related charities.

So far, £5,000 has been donated to the Construction Youth Trust, and more than 20,000 copies of the books and colouring books have been donated to primary schools and other organisations.

This includes all primary schools in both Gravesend and Dartford.

The first two books in the series – Cleaning Floors and Fixing Doors, and Who Stole the Surveyor's Lunch – are available to buy here.

Saheb said: “It is an honour to be nominated. The Ty D Sites books showcase the diversity and inclusivity within the construction and logistics industry."

"I hope they inspire some of the next generation to be drawn towards an accessible and welcoming industry open to all regardless of gender, physical ability, race, religion, colour or creed.”

The first book was a huge success and they distributed over 15,000 reading books and 6,000 colouring books within 12 months.

He said: "We have also held workshops in local primary schools where the children get dressed up in child sized PPE, and then use their own imagination to build structures and creating roads whilst learning the important role of logistics across construction sites.

"All the pupils went back to class excited to take the Ty D Sites books home to share with their families."

The awards take place on September 28.