A children's book written by a grandfather for his disabled granddaughter is raising money for a special school.

Ten-year-old Carmen Parker, the daughter of former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest midfielder Garry Parker, was born at 23 weeks weighing just over 1lb and has cerebral palsy.

Her grandfather Ray Timms, 71, of Oxford Road, Old Marston, has written the short children's book and is hoping to raise about £2,000 for Springfield School, in Witney, where Carmen is a pupil.

Mr Timms, a tree surgeon, wrote several stories to read to Carmen while he was recovering from knee surgery two years ago.

He said: "She was so interested in this one that I took it to her school and read it to the children.

"I got a very good response and it suddenly occurred to me to put it into print and raise money for the school."

The book, Carmen and Cibo, is an adventure tale about his granddaughter and his cat Cibo's exploits together.

It is illustrated by Carmen's uncle Leon Timms and has been marketed by other family members.

Initially Mr Timms printed 500 copies, priced at £5 each, and has already sold 200 to Drayton-based Ashby Engineering.

If he sells every copy, he would cover the £500 printing costs and raise £2,000 for the school, which teaches children with severe learning disabilities.

It is Mr Timms first foray into the printed word, although with six children and a close-knit family group of 17, he said he had always made up stories for the children in the family.

Carmen was until recently fed with a tube but is now able to eat normally.

Mr Timms urged people to buy the book, which he said would make an excellent stocking filler and was suitable for children aged about five or six.

He said: "Carmen is very thrilled and pleased about the book. The whole idea is to give something back in return for what people have done for little Carmen.

"It's a charitable thing and it's nice to give, and I hope people will think about that at Christmas."

The book has been distributed to restaurants in Oxford and is also available by calling Mr Timms on 01865 244608.