A HEART patient from Wolverley has put pen to paper to write a book about the village's former Army camp to raise cash for a good cause.

But Mike Webster, of Hayes Road, is hoping people can help him find more images and information on the American general hospital, prisoners of war, the British Army, evacuees, and squatters at Wolverley Camp - which closed in the early 60s.

A film about the site, now Brown Westhead Park, is also in the pipeline.

Mr Webster said: "Proceeds will be donated to the British Heart Foundation. I have heart problems so perhaps the money from the sale of my book will help to find a cure for someone one day. Mike Webster with a picture of Wolverley Camp which is the distant view from his window.

"I'd like to think I have helped to prevent others from suffering the same pain I have everyday along with the anguish that my wife and family suffer."

The 54-year-old retired contract supervisor added: "The events there over the last 60 years are part of our village history - it's a fascinating story that should be told."

Mr Webster, who is now writing the second chapter of his book, believes the American hospital played a significant role in helping the Allied forces during the Second World War.

Of more than 10,000 battle casualties treated at the hospital only four died of their wounds. Opthalmologists and neurosurgeons based at the camp worked closely with one another because many wartime eye injuries involve the brain.

Famous visitors included comedian Bob Hope who entertained GIs during a tour of Europe.

Mr Webster began his research two years ago after a cousin had asked him to find more details about a great uncle who was killed in the First World War and stumbled across a book called The Americans at Camp Bewdley.

He is also working on another project, which involves producing a video about the history of the former army site.

Working in partnership with The Sandwell Society of Film Makers, proceeds from sales of the video will boost the Royal British Legion Cookley and Wolverley branch.

Anyone with information should ring him on 01562 636245 or e-mail him on lynnmichael@supanet.com.