Laurie Sheehan is a writer who believes in the importance of research.

The author's latest book, The Slave Boy, took him to the shores of the West Indies to check the colour of the sand.

Mr Sheehan, 58, of Courtlands Close, Goring, wanted to bring the past to life in his educational story about Olaudah Equiano, the first black reformer in the slave trade.

He researched the subject for almost 20 years and managed to get hold of the original writings of Equiano dating back to the 18th Century.

Mr Sheehan said: "Equiano was used as the main propaganda weapon against the slave trade. Everybody has heard of William Wilberforce but very few people have heard of Equiano.

"I thought people should. He was a black man who suffered slavery so that spurred me on to write the book.

"I went to the West Indies to do my research and to Montserrat, the island where Equiano was returned to slavery.

"One of the jobs for slaves was dragging a rowing boat up the beach and I wanted to get the right colour of sand. I was there for three weeks. The reaction of people I met to the book was very encouraging."

The book tells how Nigerian-born Equiano was forced into slavery in his childhood in the 18th Century before buying his freedom in the West Indies. After moving to England he campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade.

Mr Sheehan, who has written other biographies for children, aimed the book at school pupils.

He said: "When I was at school all I was taught about was Nelson. Equiano was just as important a character in British history but because he was black he wasn't mentioned. He was the father of black literature with his writings about slavery.

"I'm particularly interested in history because of its importance. We are doomed to repeat the mistakes we've made if we do not learn about them."

To order a copy of The Slave Boy for £9.99, ring Gopher Publishers on 01343 550245.