HE teaches the next generation of writers in Lincoln during the day, but in his spare time Rob Sanders writes his own stories.

And now his first novel, Redemption Corps, has been picked up by a publisher and has hit bookstore shelves nationwide.

Mr Sanders, 35, is a father-of-two and is the head of English at St Peter and St Paul Catholic High School in Skellingthorpe Road.

He said he had initially written a short story for publisher The Black Library before being asked to submit an idea for a full-length novel.

Mr Sanders said: "The idea for Redemption Corps was mine really.

"One of the editors, Christian Dunn, mentioned something about search and rescue originally and I thought storm troopers would be a good fit."

Mr Sanders' novel is set 38,000 years in the future and focuses on the adventures of humanity's elite soldiers, Imperial Guard storm troopers, who are sent into highly dangerous combat situations to achieve very specific goals – whether it is killing an enemy commander or rescuing the crew of a gigantic war machine.

He said he had created a balance between two of the three lead characters – a political officer who sees everything in black and white, and a soldier who is much more aware of the shades of grey in between.

"There's a lot of intrigue in there and it seemed a good idea to have characters who are more privileged with the information they have than others," he said.

He said he kept his school work and his writing separate.

"I haven't told many people at school about the book because as a debut author I'm quite cautious," he said.

"Publishers are playing it very safe at the moment, so for someone to break through is very difficult. I don't take too much for granted."

Mr Sanders' wife, Tracy, 35, said she was very proud of her husband.

"There's a massive commitment in time and it takes a lot of discipline," she said.

"He has been writing for a long time, but he has had increasing success. He's quite modest, really."

St Peter and St Paul headteacher Mark Kerridge said he was thrilled to have a published author teaching children at the school.

He said: "Rob is a very modest man and he has certainly played this down, but it can only be of benefit to have a successful author teaching students how to write."