An estate agent who has written a first novel has been signed to an international literary agency which is hoping it will be turned into a Hollywood movie.

Nick Christofides, who manages the John Francis branch in Mumbles, Swansea, wrote The Border Reiver in his spare time.

The book is described as a “thinking man’s action-adventure” and revolves around a farmer in Northumbria, where Christofides grew up.

It was published last year through Cambria Books and has now come to the attention of literary agency MV Worldwide which has close links with Hollywood producers.

The company says it is working to secure a mainstream publisher and film rights for the book.

Founder Mathilde Vuillermoz said she has high hopes of attracting a film deal.

She said: “The novel gripped me from the start and I was amazed to discover it was Nick’s debut.

“It has a definite cinematic feel to it and could easily become a box-office hit.

“I am confident that Nick has a very bright future ahead of him and, though at a very early stage, talks with several noted Hollywood producers about a film adaptation sound promising.”

Christofides told a local paper: “To say I’m thrilled to have secured representation with MV Worldwide would be an understatement. It’s a dream come true.”