Alfie Dormand, 8, was inspired by a trip to Paignton Zoo to start writing his book ‘The Monkey That Stole A Bus’ during lockdown.

He even used a computer program to generate the book’s colorful illustrations, which accompanied his innovative story.

Alfie has contributed almost £1000 toward the purchase of a new electric wheelchair that would allow him more independence than his present manual wheelchair from sales of his storybook on Amazon and donations made through his Just Giving website.

He is limited in his mobility by the rare genetic disorders L1 Syndrome and Hydrocephalus, two linked conditions.

Mum When we visited the Paignton Zoo three years ago, we rented an electric wheelchair, and he liked it, according to Michelle Dortmund.

He developed a liking for flamingos, and the cheekiness of the monkeys inspired him to write stories.

The smile on his face since he was doing everything alone was incredibly lovely to watch. He navigated the zoo on his own and did it really effectively.

It was lovely to see him acting like a young child and running off with his brothers rather than me pushing behind him.

The novel has been read aloud to students at Alfie’s school, St. Mewan Primary in St. Austell, by teachers.

Parents have been buying the book to assist the aspiring authors’ fundraising efforts, and Alfie even does professional-quality book signings.

Eddie Hall, the competition’s winner, is also included in the book; the strongman purchased a copy and sent Alfie a video as a thank-you.

When he penned ‘The Crocodile’s Day Trip’ at the age of barely six, the schoolboy first dabbled in writing.

He enjoys creating short stories, and since he finds it difficult to use a pen, he draws everything himself using Microsoft Paint on a computer ‘ Michelle stated.

‘He can currently power his manual wheelchair a little, but he struggles with his arms and hands, making it difficult for him to steer. Having an electric wheelchair would make such a huge difference.

‘He’s eight now and getting bigger and just wants to do it himself,’ I say, ‘but if there’s even a little bit of a hill he can’t do it alone.’