AS A boy, Damian Aspinall was more used to gorillas and tigers roaming his house than cats and dogs.

The son of the late, legendary wildlife conservationist, John Aspinall, he grew up in a remarkable environment that brought him close to the wild animals at Howletts wild animal park near Canterbury.

Now his own childhood adventures and the experiences of his own children with gorillas, both real and imaginary, have been been turned into two children's story books.

They follow the adventures of Damian's own daughters, Tansy and Clary and are aimed at two age groups.

Proceeds of the sales of the books will go to the John Aspinall Foundation, which is helping to preserve some of the world's most endangered mammals.

The books were commissioned by Damian and have been written by top children's authors.

The Great Banana Tree Safari by Kathy Creamer, is aimed at four to eight-year-olds while The Ape Escape by Terry Deary is for children aged between seven to 12 years. Both are priced at £4.95.

At present they are only available at Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, but if popular, they could go on sale in local book stores.

At the books' launch at Howletts, Damian sat alongside the massive silverback gorilla, Kifu, who rested a huge hand on his shoulder. He said: "I grew up with gorillas in the house and shared many childhood adventures and games with them.

"My own children have also become their friends and I hope these books will also show just how gentle these animals really are."