AN ex student who was “a bit of a handful” and who turned his life around to become an author has won international acclaim for his debut novel.

And he says his story is proof that schools should never give up on students as they may go on to great achievements if given half a chance.

Liam Moiser, 24, penned Moore Field School and the Mystery, which now appears on the curriculum in schools in India and is a children and pre-teen market best seller.

The book, which was published last year, has now been voted the Readers’ Favourite 2014 in the International Book Awards.

In addition it is to be displayed at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October and the Book Festival in Miami the following month.

Liam, who attended the academy for two years between 2004 and 2006, was by his own admission a “difficult” student.

He said: “I was a handful and I was destructive but writing turned me around, thanks to help from an English teacher at school.

“I owe a lot to the school for supporting me and I would say to anyone involved in delivering education, never give up on a student as you never know what they may achieve if they are inspired by something. All they need is that little spark.”

Liam’s follow-up book, entitled Incidents at Moore Field School, has just been published and he is currently writing the third.

He said: “My first book won three awards, including the International one and is available in lots of libraries both here and in the USA; and this year has been featured at book fairs in India, the USA and in Beijing.”