Gravesend celebrity tortoise returns to Waterstone's Bluewater with second picturebook Albert and the Wind

A celebrity tortoise has returned to stores by popular demand with a second picturebook.

Author Ian Brown is back with his sequel Albert and the Wind inspired by Gravesend's famous reptile.

Albert the tortoise lived in Cross Lane East, Gravesend for more than 50 years after being found there and rescued by Ian's wife Millie.

TV writer Ian, 57, who lives in East London, said it had taken him years of trying to become a published author, and credited the eventual success to his pet.

He said: "After 30 years writing and producing for many household names, people might assume it was easy to get a book deal. But it took me decades of trying."

Earlier this year the first adventure book Albert Upside Down proved popular with readers of all ages so Ian has brought his pet back for more adventures.

He added: "The first Albert book seems to have done well and I'm delighted to bring more Albert adventures to life.

"This is a dream come true for me."

The books have even received generous praise online from various household names, including Jeremy Clarkson, Julian Clary, Joe Sugg, Vicki Michelle, John Craven, Clive Mantle, Paul Whitehouse and Michael Aspel.

Ian added: "Both stories are inspired by things that happen to real Albert. He does flip upside down - sometimes and his food does blow away from him on blustery days.

"In the books, he's helped by his little garden chums. Hopefully people will see kindness and the importance of helping others in the stories."

Thanks to social media Albert is also finding fame worldwide on Facebook and Twitter with the real Albert becoming an ambassador for a turtle and tortoise rescue charity in California.

The reptile has come a long way from his Kent beginnings.

In his 30-year career, Ian has written and produced for the likes of Top Gear, The Simpsons, The South Bank Show, This Is Your Life and stars like Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, Bob Monkhouse, Martin Kemp, Trevor McDonald, Jamie Oliver, Ian Wright, Davina McCall and Simon Cowell.

Ian signed copies of his sequel Albert and the Wind at Waterstone's in Bluewater Shopping Centre on Tuesday, November 23.

But do not fear if you missed this week's signing as Ian plans to return to the shopping centre soon.