BOOKS are just like buses . . . you wait for ages for one and then two come along at once.

Well, that is at least the view of Bury headteacher Chris Ashley who is all smiles about the publication of two of his children's books.

The two stories, published by Francis Lincoln Children's Books this month, tell of the everyday struggles of a ten-year-old boy called Wasim as he battles through life.

Chris, headteacher at Fairfield Primary School, said: "It is very hard to fit writing in with my job but it's been ages since my last book was published so I'm delighted these two stories are finally going to get read. And I've got ideas for more Wasim stories by the busload!"

Wasim One Star follows Wasim's desire to be a swimmer but when the big day finally comes he gets into trouble. Swimming instructor Carol orders him out the pool so how can he get his certificate now?

Wasim the Wanderer revolves around Wasim's efforts to get in the local football team Woodhey Wanderers but with bully Robert Bailey lurking around every corner in school and even on the training ground how can he do it?

Whilst Wasim's adventures are aimed at making children laugh, there is also a serious side as they cover bullying, racism and the struggle of school.

Chris has used his knowledge as a headteacher to pen the books, but he is also following in the footsteps of his father Bernard Ashley who was also a children's book writer. Bernard wrote 24 books, one called Little Soldier which he re-wrote to adapt for stage, and also undertook television work, including The Country Boy which was screened on BBC and his adaptation of his own Dodgem which won the Royal Television Society award as the best children's entertainment of its year.

Chris and Bernard co-wrote the TV series Three Seven Eleven which showed on Granada in the morning. Chris also has two brothers, David who is a London headteacher and an expert on children's reading and Jonathan who is an actor, writer and director whose writing for theatre includes Stiffs.

The Wasim books can be found in most local book stores. For more information, visit www.fran ceslincoln.com.