A GROUP of creative writers whose average age is 70 have just had their first book published — thanks to Jeffrey Archer.

The seven Bexley men, aged between 55 and 78, first met at a Workers’ Education Association creative writing course.

Robert Templer joined the class in 1976, followed by John Lindstrom, David Herridge, Derek Pullman, Alan Smith, Andy Waterhouse and Don McLean.

The group carried on without a tutor when the course funding was withdrawn and now meet weekly during the winter at Hurst Community Centre in Bexley.

Mr Lindstrom explained: “All of us have had a burning ambition to see some of our work in print.”

When Bexleyheath Oxfam shop manager Diane Dawson mentioned the charity’s upcoming book festival, the seven hatched a plan.

They wanted to turn some short stories into the book Has Bexley Got Talent? to be sold for Oxfam at its Broadway shop.

Within hours of an email appeal for cash for the printing costs, bestselling author Lord Archer had offered the £300 required.

Mr Lindstrom said: “It has been a dream come true for us, experiencing what it is really like to be an author.

“We have gone through the process of choosing the design of the book cover, dealing with the printers, putting the book on display in the shop, a book signing and now, having our photo in the paper.”