AN RAF veteran who penned his debut novel at the age of 83 has written a sequel.

Vernon Yarker, from Maldon, has written the follow-up to his sci-fi debut Dark Matter Transit, which was released earlier this year.

The latest book is called Dark Matter Transit 2.

Mr Yarker said: “It takes the reader on a journey through the universe, including brushes with space pirates and pushing diplomacy to its limits with the Minx people, who are almost identical to meerkats but larger in size.

“At one time, the adventurers stop over at Fun Planet which is owned by the Firmament X Entertainment Company Inc, who run the planet as a private enterprise adventure playground and funfair for their galaxy.

“In time they reach the limits of the universe and once again Earth is threatened with extinction.”

Mr Yarker was born in South Woodham Ferrers and joined the RAF when he was just 15.

For more details about his latest book, visit darkmattertransit.com.