ALEX WHEATLE was born in Brixton, London. He began writing lyrical poetry and made a name for himself as the Brixton Bard before turning his hand to novels and his first book Brixton Rock is now a cult classic. He is actively involved with Book Trust to introduce literature to the dispossessed and organises and holds workshops in prisons and young adult institutions. He was awarded an MBE for his services to literature in 2008.