Dr Harry Hope, 25, of Hodsock Priory, has now put the finishing touches to The Element of Lore, which he penned back in 2004 during his medical student days.

Donations from the sales of the mythical tale – the first in a planned series of five novels – will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust (CFT) – a charity close to Harry's heart.

"After leaving medicine to follow my true dream in teaching, it's amazing to see my book in print and ready to be released to the world," said Harry, who is currently training to be a primary school teacher.

"If just one person I have never met picks it up and enjoys it, that will be reward enough. It's definitely the kind of book I would love to have read as a child."

Harry was four years into his medical degree at Sheffield University when he dreamt up the concept for the first volume in the Books of Lore, drawing inspiration from authors such as J.K. Rowling and Terry Pratchett.

The novel follows young Alex whose life changes forever after being chased through the snow and ends up taking a scholarship at the Lore Ordinance Establishment – where science and magic combine in a world of terrible secrets and deadly enemies.

"I wasn't completely fulfilled in medicine, and found writing really helped to relieve the stress of that," said Harry.

"I always keep a book by my bed, I could just see the opening snow scene in my head."

But the novel remained a work in progress for many years until Harry received help and encouragement from Estelle, a teacher he met while travelling in Africa in 2005.

"She came over to visit us in 2007 and suggested I link the book up with the CFT," he said.

"She was an amazing help, and put me in touch with the right contacts to get the book published."

Harry said the novel will appeal to fans of Harry Potter and the like, but said it definitely had an identity of its own, and should be suitable for both adults and children.

"I have tried to look at the idea of magic from a far more realistic stance, and every chapter, bar the last, ends on a cliffhanger," he said.

"Readers will find things based on all you can find in mythology and science. The series is also based around the four elements of earth, wind, air and fire, with the last book revolving around a fifth – of darkness."

The book has caught the eye of various literary experts, most notably best-selling author GP Taylor, who wrote The Shadowmancer and the Mariah Mundi series.

The New York Times novelist described Harry's work by saying: 'A thrilling adventure and a great project well worth reading. Secret Magic has never before been like this...'

Harry is busy finishing his primary education degree before starting his first job at Wickersley, but is looking forward to promoting his new book, priced £8.99, which is available at Amazon or www.theelementsoflore.co.uk

"I will be signing books at Dukeries Garden Centre on Wednesday 28th May," said Harry.