Geoff Nelder, 59, travelled to Groningen in Holland to receive the novelist's Silver Award at the World and Universal Arts Academy.

Now he is looking forward to his book, Hot Air, being published.

This is the first year the Academy has hosted the awards.

Geoff entered his novel after encouragement from fellow writers.

The former teacher, of Lache Hall Crescent, Chester, was accompanied on his trip by his daughter, Eleanor, 27, an ex-Christleton High School pupil.

He said: "I entered Hot Air, which is a thriller, but then forgot about it and I was checking my emails one morning and came across one that said I was winner.

"I thought it was another lottery scam and was about to delete, then realised it was true.

"My daughter said she would come with me as she felt someone should be applauding me!"

Geoff added: "The awards were held in a big auditorium at the University of Groningen Theatre and I had to go up on stage and be interviewed about my book, but just before I was about to go up, they told me I had to read an excerpt from the book, but I didn't have it with me.

"So instead, I talked about the material and how the idea came and I was the only person speaking in English."

The award body is a charitable foundation to promote performing and other arts.

Preparations for Hot Air's publication are now under way. Details can be found on www.geoffnelder.com