AN East Renfrewshire actor who is turning over a new leaf by releasing his debut novel has told how it is already proving to be a hit with stars of stage and screen.

Kenny Boyle, whose acting credits include the lead role of Rob in feature film Lost At Christmas, has enjoyed his first foray into novel writing, with The Tick And The Tock of The Crocodile Clock published next month.

And he has been delighted with the response from a range of Scottish celebrities who had a sneak preview.

Still Game actor Sanjeev Kohli and Gregory’s Girl star Clare Grogan are among those to give the book their seal of approval.

Sanjeev, who played Naveed in the hit BBC TV comedy, described the book as “intelligent and insightful,” while Clare, who also enjoyed a pop career with Altered Images, called it “a charming, funny and unique story that tackles tough issues with a gentleness and poignancy.”

Kenny told the Barrhead News: “When I knew the book was going to be published, I reached out to some of my heroes and told them how much their work had meant to me.

“I asked them if they’d like to read an early draft of the novel.

“For artists that mean so much to me to say such warm and supportive things about my book is incredible.”

Kenny, who grew up in Giffnock, describes his novel as “a cross between The Catcher in the Rye and Thelma and Louise but set in Scotland.”

Main character Wendy falls in with wild child painter Cat and ends up on the run from the law with a stolen, priceless work of art.

Writing the book was a fun experience for Kenny but he isn’t ready to give up treading the boards just yet.

“My acting career started at Eastwood Theatre when I played a tiny role in an East Renfrewshire Operatic Society production,” said the former St Ninian’s High School pupil.

“I’m still an actor and I have no intention of giving that up. I don’t think I could. It’s such an important part of me.

“Acting and writing are both a form of storytelling. I suppose that’s how I think of myself – a storyteller, regardless of the medium.”

The Tick And The Tock of The Crocodile Clock will be in good bookshops from May 3 and can also be pre-ordered from Eye-books.com, Amazon, Waterstones and other online retailers.