Tim Atkinson, 43, who now lives in Boston in Lincolnshire, has had his book Writing Therapy nominated for the 2009 Young Minds award.

Richard Coles, broadcaster and Anglican priest, has described it as a "beautifully-angled novel about growing up and breaking down."

The charity Young Minds helps young people suffering emotional and mental torment, and its £2,000 book prize is awarded to a novel which challenges the stigma of teenage mental health.

Tim Atkinson said: "The shocking rise in teenage mental health issues was a major reason for me to write this book. It's an area I've had professional experience of as a teacher."

A former assistant headteacher at Boston Grammar School, Tim gave up his 20 year teaching career last year in order to write full-time and to look after his one-year-old son, Charlie.

He has also recently been commissioned to write a series of school textbooks.

Tim's family came to Bridlington when his father became director of technical services for the old East Yorkshire Borough Council.

His mother and father still live in Fifth Avenue.

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