A LOCAL horror writer is celebrating the publication of his first collection of short stories and poetry.

Dave Watson has published four books, including a supernatural western called Adonias Law.

Now he is opening a new chapter in his literary career by delving into verse and short tales.

The 42-year-old from Inverkip describes his latest volume as a 'fiction pick n mix' and he is hopeful it will prove popular.

Dave told the Telegraph: "There are bits and pieces in various writing styles in the collection.

"Some of them go back eight, nine years to when I started getting serious about this whole writing lark.

"It's mostly short stories, some shorter than others.

"There are a few flash fiction pieces that are only 650 words long, and a few poems."

Dave draws his inspiration from a wide range of influences, covering everything from alien abduction to zombie apocalypse.

The dad-of-one said: "All in I think there's a good mix of horror, humour, drama, fantasy and realism, so hopefully there will be something for everyone."

The collection includes a piece called 'Tam O'Shatner' which was nominated for the People's Book Prize last year and won a competition at the Falkirk Storytelling Festival.

It is being published by Wild Wolf Publishing who also released Dave's second novel.

The book costs less than £3 to buy on Amazon and is out as a digital edition to start with, with the print edition to be made available at a later date.