An often-denied love affair between a decorated US general who went on to become president and his driver in Richmond features in a new novel.

'Ike and Kay’, by James MacManus, is a reimagining of General Eisenhower and his driver Kay Summersby’s infamous and often denied love affair during World War II.

The couple lived together in Telegraph Cottage near Richmond Golf Course, and Eisenhower named his scottie dog ‘Telek’ as an affectionate tribute of the two things that made him happiest.

Author Mr MacManus said: “On May 1942, Eisenhower arrived in London. He was given Kay Somersby as a driver - all the signs had been removed in London and she was good at getting around and driving in black-outs.

“A week later he returned he found that she was driving for someone else and had her assigned back to him.”

His love of Kay was never public, but his fondness for the cottage was perfectly illustrated in a watercolour that Eisenhower painted himself.

Mr MacManus added: “Telegraph Cottage gave him what he needed to recharge at the end of the day, it was the most unlikely place for a general to live.

“It was a ‘Hansel and Gretel’ cottage, a doll’s house, that’s how they both described it.”

“It was a slate roof cottage on the edge of Richmond Park and there was a rose garden and he grew vegetables – much to the bemusement of Churchill.”

Eisenhower was originally staying at The Dorchester, which he allegedly hated.

Kay, with her intimate knowledge of London, knew that he would love the relaxed environment of Richmond Park, a world away from the war, yet close enough to the US Military Headquarters at Bushy Park and central London.

Mr MacManus added: “Kay could drive from Richmond to London in 25 minutes with the US flag flying on the bonnet.”

Ike and Kay will be published by Duckworth on March 8 in hardback, priced £16.99 – also available on ebook.