The Oscars may be taking place soon, but Dartford actor Mackenzie Crook is in line for literary honours after the success of his debut book.

Mr Crook, 40, who played Gareth in BBC’s The Office and starred in the Pirates of the Carribean films has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize with his book The Windvale Sprites.

He has been nominated in the 5-12 age category and could scoop a £5,000 prize at the awards on March 28

The book is about the journey of a young boy who discovers a dead fairy in his pond the night after a hurricane.

It was based on his personal experience as a 16-year-old stepping out into his garden in Sutton-at-Hone after the 1987 storm.

He said: "I found out a few weeks ago but I had to keep it under my hat.

"I’ve always wanted to write and to draw and having success in acting has opened doors for me.

"I’ve been fascinated by the natural world and finding animals and creatures.

"This book took me a long time to write but it has given me the confidence to write more."

Mr Crook trained as an actor at the Orchard Youth Theatre and regularly visits the borough to see his parents in Sutton-at-Hone.

Last February, he became involved to save his school swimming pool at Sutton-at-Hone Primary School.