A Teddington author’s new novel, set in a dystopian Britain of 2025, asks whether people would pay the ultimate sacrifice in order to live again in a younger body.

The Killer App tells the story of a new technology that allows people to be born again into the body of a new born baby, then have their memories given back to them at the age of 20, set in the gloomy backdrop of a Britain without Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The author, who writes with the pseudonym John Writhers, who lives in Holmesdale Road, cites George Orwell as an influence on his work, and used interviews with friends and family to build a vivid picture of his characters.

He said: "The main character is a frustrated figure in his late 30s who sees this new technology as a way he can finally make his mark on the world.

"I wanted to understand if people would actually be willing to die in order to become young again, and many said they would do almost anything to have a young, fit body again."

The 41-year-old, who describes himself as an author trapped inside the body of a City worker, would shun the new technology of his first novel, however.

He said: "I would have to say no, as I have four children, but if that wasn’t the case then perhaps I would think about using it."

Mr Writhers will sign copies of A Killer App at Teddington’s Waterstones on November 15 between 3pm and 5pm.