A SIMPLE Internet search led to a Kent boy forging a friendship with an internationally-acclaimed Australian author, whose hero shares his name.

Thomas Trew, 12, a pupil at Chatham House School at Ramsgate, is the reason writer whu Sophie Masson is visiting Waterstone’s at Westwood Cross at Thanet as part of her UK tour.

Ms Masson will be promoting Thomas Trew and the Hidden People, the first in a series of books about a fictional 10-year-old who crosses between the real world and a magical one.

The real Thomas, of Station Approach Road, his parents Dave and Linda and sister Alice, nine, are looking forward to meeting the author at the shop at 11am on Thursday, October 26.

Ms Masson, who has written 28 novels, insisted Thanet be included in her itinerary so she could meet Thomas.

Earlier this year the youngster “Googled” his name at school and was astounded to find the character Thomas Trew is the hero of Ms Masson’s books.

In his efforts to find out more, he found an e-mail address for her and contacted her. It was the first of a series of e-mails between the two families. Ms Masson subsequently sent him a signed copy of the first Thomas Trew book.

Thomas’s mum Linda said: “We feel we know Sophie so well and she sounds like such a nice lady.

“She has even asked for our suggestions and opinions about her books.

“This contact has been a really enjoyable experience and a special opportunity.

“She has said she will dedicate her third book to Thomas and offered to give a talk at his school.”

In her first e-mail, Ms Masson wrote: “How very exciting and amazing to know there is a real Thomas Trew out there!

“I came up with the name because to some extent the story is inspired by the story of Thomas the Rhymer, who was also known as 'True Thomas’, and so I just reversed that name and called him Thomas Trew.”

The climax of Ms Masson’s Thanet visit will be when the Trews go out to dinner with her.

FACTFILE

* The fictional Thomas Trew crosses between the magical Hidden World, responsible for dreams, music and imagination, and the human Obvious World.

* The books are described as a “doorway to the fantasy genre” aimed at eight to 10-year-olds.

* Thomas Trew and the Hidden People is published this Thursday (October 19).

* Thomas Trew and The Horns of Pen is due out at the end of the year, followed by Thomas Trew and the Klint-King’s Gold early next year.