A man with rare locked-in syndrome has completed a 50,000-word book - using just his eyes.

Howard Wicks, 29, from Dartmouth, suffered a serious stroke as a teenager, leaving every muscle in his body paralysed, except those around his eyes.

The novel chronicles the years leading up to and after his stroke, and was completed using an Eyegaze computer - a machine which tracks his eye movements.

The device allows him to communicate with others and to write his novel - which is 50,000 words long and took 18 months to complete.

Howard describes the process as challenging but cathartic - quickly becoming an all-consuming experience.

"It was a cathartic experience," said Howard.

"I enjoyed writing it especially the parts I personally enjoyed living myself.

"However, it soon became a source of stress, as I felt I couldn't truly enjoy myself until the book was completed."

He told the BBC: "The initial chapter introduces the reader to my life before the stroke, allowing them to understand who I was.”

"The book concludes with my transition from the hospital setting to community life."

"The series spans from aged 16 to the present day.”

Howard also hopes that the book will raise awareness for his charity - the Locked In Trust, which is dedicated to supporting other people suffering from locked in syndrome.

"I have established a charity called the Locked In Trust dedicated to empowering individuals in a locked-in state to embrace the fullest potential of their lives," said Howard.

"I founded this charity four years ago, but it hasn't achieved the reach or impact it needs.

"This was another motivation behind completing the book: to propel the charity to the forefront of society."

Howard hopes that the book will be part of a trilogy - and says that completing it was a necessary step to achieve his goals.

"From the moment I gained the ability to type, writing a book has always been a goal of mine," Howard said.

"Over time, more incentives to pursue this dream emerged.

"I believed that finishing it was essential for my happiness and personal progress."