Witton Lodge Community Association volunteer John Robinson is helping others climb out of Darkness into Light.

That is the title of the book of poetry penned by the former Stockland Green councillor which aims to inspire people out of suffering.

John, a resident at Sycamore Court in Perry Common, decided to put pen to paper after living through the torment and anguish of a nervous breakdown. The former shop-steward said writing the book played an essential role in his recovery.

“I suffered a complete nervous breakdown which led to depression and anxiety,” said John.

“But writing my poems relieved my mental and emotional pain and helped me climb out of my darkness. It was my own personal therapy.”

Sixty-two year old John, whose love of poetry started when he was a pupil at St Michael’s School in Digbeth, said the title of his book is a message to others.

“I wanted to reach out to people who may be going through the same difficulties that I did and let them know there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

“If you look hard enough you’ll always find a diamond in the dark.”

One of John’s poems is called Our Neighbours. It reads: “Somebody near you is struggling alone, Over life’s desert sand, Faith hope and courage together are gone, Reach him a helping hand.”

Darkness into Light is available to buy from Amazon for £3.99 on Kindle and £8.95 paperback.