THE LONG wait to see his book published is over for pensioner Eric Raffo - almost nine years after he started work on it.

In 1992, Eric sat down to write the story of a Hampshire hospital where his wife was treated to record its history for posterity.

Seven years and 100,000 words later Eric had finished his history of Moorgreen hospital, only to be told that the hospital trust had "no remit for publishing".

But two years of hard work by the hospital's voluntary services manager means that the book is to be published tomorrow, and it is already selling well.

Eric said he was delighted that this labour of love would finally be available to all after the years of struggling.

"It is a unique book and now at last it is going to be done. It seemed after seven years' work, so terrible to have it just sitting there."

Eric, 81, was a voluntary worker at the West End hospital - where his wife Mary spent the last three years of her life - when he was approached about the project.

The former garage owner from Locks Heath had mentioned his interest in historical research on the voluntary work application form, and says he was encouraged to take on the project.

Years of research followed, with numerous journeys to see papers, reports and documents in the hospital as well as in records offices.

He even spent two weeks at London's Public Records Office at Kew, looking into the South Stoneham Union which ran the local poorhouses, and eventually Moorgreen, before it became a hospital for the elderly.

Along the way Eric learned how to use a computer, and he has spent hours poring over the manuscript with a magnifying glass because of his deteriorating eyesight.

When the publishing deal seemed to fall through Eric was devastated, but continued to talk to others about his interest in the hospital.

He said: "All I could do was give talks to historical societies around the area which went down well. They all wanted the book but I had to say I was sorry but I could not afford to publish it."

With help from Pat Julian, the volunteer service manager at the hospital, funding was finally found from the League of Friends at the hospital.

This paid for Prontaprint on the Isle of Wight to print the volume.

Pat said: "A tremendous amount of work has been put in to it - I'm so proud of Eric.

"I can't believe that it has finally happened - it is brilliant."

Now Eric hopes to be able to sign copies of the book at a launch tomorrow.

He said the project turned out to be more of an epic endeavour than he had imagined.

Half a Loaf: The Care of the Sick and Poor of South Stoneham 1664-1948, will cost £9.50. The book is available by calling Moorgreen's voluntary service on 023 8047 2258.