AN ALLOA author is hoping to encourage more Clacks youngsters to chase their dreams after he overcame dyslexia to publish his first book.

Ali Currie, who attended Claremont primary and Alloa Academy, returned to the county last Wednesday to showcase his work and remind young minds that anything is possible.

Kids from Abercromby, Alva, St Mungos, Sunnyside and Redwell primary schools all heard Ali read his new book before taking part in Q&A sessions at the Speirs Centre.

He then expressed his joy at now being published as he struggled with his own reading and writing difficulties from a young age.

Ali told the Advertiser: “It is amazing [to be back]. Doing the school visits is the thing I’ve been really, really surprised about. That’s multiplied many time overs by the fact it is in Alloa in this wonderful facility at the Speirs Centre.

“The feedback from kids is always very positive. Being here in Alloa, in the Speirs Centre, is an overwhelming experience.”

Ali admitted her was still surprised that he is even an author at all, having never envisaged the idea when he was a school pupil.

He said: “I didn’t think I’d be here if you had asked me this time last year to be honest. Writing a book for me was a big step as I’m dyslexic.

“The steps it has taken me to even consider writing a book are massive. To be here and read to kids who are clearly interested in writing and authors is phenomenal.”

Ali, who is a graphic designer by trade, used his day job skills to illustrate the book as well as write it. He was inspired after his friend wrote his own tale around a disabled theme, as he found it difficult to find a story for his brother who has Down Syndrome.

His book, titled Marvellous Machines and Mini Mimi, followed the same track of getting away from stereotypes and giving everyone the same voice.

The Clacks man continued: “I wrote my book because I want my kids to have positive role models who aren’t necessarily princesses there to be rescued or fit into these stereotypes.

"I wanted something to inspire the kids. If they get that from the story, or in meeting an author, if they get something positive, then that would be fantastic.

“My colleague Jamie and I started writing these because we weren’t seeing a lot of disabled children in books or getting away from stereotypes.

"If we can play a small part in making sure there is a wide spectrum of characters out there, all to the good.”