A Kenilworth cartoonist's life-long dream has finally become a reality with the publication of his first book.

Ron Owen, who has been drawing cartoons since he was a child, has released On the Funny Side of the Street and will donate the royalties to the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA).

Ron was first inspired by 1940s comics and his drawings still retain the humour and something of the child-like innocence.

Now in his mid-eighties and suffering from life-limiting cancer, Ron has finally achieved his dream of seeing his cartoons in print.

Many of his drawings are the work of a moment, scribbled on a napkin in a café or similar when inspiration strikes – normally donated to those who prompted them – but fortunately some have been kept.

One of Ron's nurses, Hannah Blunsdon, contacted BBC Midlands Today on his behalf towards the end of 2021 and the BBC's Joan Cummings visited Ron at his Kenilworth home.

Candy Evans of Spring View Publications spotted the story on Kenilworth Vibes and with the help of Ron's best friend since childhood, Cyril Hobbins, Spring View Publications is proud to bring some of these cheerful images to a wider audience.

"It's been a real privilege to get to know Ron and hear more about his 80+ years of life in Warwickshire," she said.

"When we've had a chat, I always come away with a smile and his slightly wicked sense of humour comes out clearly in the cartoons we've captured in the book.

"For the last couple of weeks Ron has been cared for in Warwick Hospital and I get the impression most of the ward staff now own one of his books – his enthusiasm is infectious."

The cartoons have always been drawn to raise a smile rather than a profit, so Ron has chosen to donate the royalties from his book to his local air ambulance charity – a cause close to Ron's heart as his sister-in-law was recently taken to hospital via helicopter.

WNAA community fundraising executive, George May, added: "Ron's book is wonderful, and you can really see his personality shine through his humorous illustrations.

"As the charity relies entirely on voluntary donations, it is lovely that Ron has chosen to donate royalties from his book to support our lifesaving service, and I really encourage people to support by ordering his book."

On the Funny Side of the Street is available to buy online here.

And it is currently in stock at Kenilworth Books in Talisman Square.