HE'S known to hundreds of faces around Newport as a bus driver. But Keyvan Ghaemmaghami is hoping for international success as a poet - and it's all with the support of his bosses who have given him time off work to complete his latest book.

Keyvan, 49, from Somerton, has worked at Newport Transport for 18 years but has been given the week off to finish his third book of poetry.

Mr Ghaemmaghami started writing poetry 10 years ago. It has been five years since his last book and he has been too busy working to start again.

Now, his boss Trevor Roberts has given him time off to start on his third book after seeing his first two books. All profits will go to research for cancer.

Mr Ghaemmaghami said: "I love people and I write about people. I get a lot of inspiration from my job and meeting so many people."

He has already sold 4,000 copies of his book, Words From the Heart and Emotions, which he had printed himself.

The third book is likely to be called Newport: The Heart of Wales and will continue the theme of poems from the heart.

He said: "When I see people and speak to them I think of things and start scribbling away.

"This is my dream and I am glad it is coming true and I will be able to help the people around me."

Trevor Roberts, managing director of Newport Transport, said: "He is a popular and well known figure as a bus driver and for writing poetry.

"He gets very passionate about the subject. Having read the first two books he kept telling me he had at least another book in him so we are encouraging him to do that.

"It is a nice way for the company to sponsor him to give him some time to pull the book together."