A lost literary genius from Carshalton is finally about to be rediscovered in the suburb he immortalised in spectacular verse.

Campaigners have succeeded in having the acclaimed work of James Farrar republished after winning support from the Poet Laureate.

Andrew Motion, 55, is now filming a personal appreciation for the October 5 release, when Farrar would have turned 85.

The former Sutton Grammar School pupil was killed three months before his 21st birthday as he intercepted a VI flying bomb during World War II.

After his death in July 1944, his mother unearthed a remarkable collection of poems, short stories and journals he had penned from the age of 16.

They were later discovered by Henry Williamson, the creator of Tarka the Otter, and published as The Unreturning Spring.

Farrar was instantly hailed as one of the most precocious literary voices of the 20th century. But he later suffered as poets of the Great War monopolised the public’s imagination.

Local interest was reawakened last year when author John Monks dramatised the anthology at Charles Cryer Studio Theatre in Carshalton.

Mr Monks said: “It was a sell-out and the Friends of Honeywood Museum were so encouraged they agreed to add The Unreturning Spring to their publications.

“It is great testimony to their vision that they regard Sutton’s literary heritage as equally important as our historic buildings and artefacts.”

Mr Motion added: “James Farrar is a very distinguished writer and a lamentably neglected one. He deserves a wider readership.

“When looking through The Unreturning Spring I felt that instant pleasure of recognising something of absolute first class quality.”

To buy tickets for the launch, call the Charles Cryer box office on 020 8770 6990.