A BARRY Island author and retired RAF pilot is hoping to soar up the literary charts with his latest book.

Wings Over Malta, by Ron Powell, takes the Barry-born hero of his previous Battle of Britain novel, Wings Over Summer, into ferocious air battles over Malta.

The dad-of-two has also written numerous short stories and articles, many of which have been published or broadcast. Several have won prizes.

Mr Powell, 61, said: “When I was researching Wings Over Summer, I was amazed at how many Battle of Britain pilots went on to fight above the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. I knew then it would have to be the subject of my next novel.”

Wings Over Malta opens in March 1942, with Barry-boy Jack Williams flying one of the first 15 Spitfires.

He and his fellow pilots have to regain control of the air above Malta.

The problem is, when not sheltering from the incessant bombing, they are hunted from take off to landing by German Messerschmitts.

Mr Powell said: “The Maltese suffered dreadfully during this period, but they and those fighting to protect them refused to give in. Many of the pilots received medals for bravery, but so did the islanders. King George VI awarded them the George Cross. The medal still appears on the island’s flag.”

Mr Powell spent much of his 32 years in the RAF as a flying instructor. He taught young men and women to turn upside down, jink and spin in light aircraft.

Wings Over Summer notched up more than 16,000 sales.

Wings Over Malta has already entered the top 60 war books on Amazon, where it’s available as an e-book or paperback.

For detail on Mr Powell's RAF career, public talks and samples of his writing, visit http://www.ronpowell.co.uk