THE incredible story of how an Afghan refugee fled his war-torn homeland for a new life in Bolton will be published later this year.

Gulwali Passarlay, aged 20, tells of his astonishing 7,150 mile journey alone over 12 months in his The Lightless Sky: An Afghan Refugee Boy’s Journey, out this October.

Gulwali, a student at Manchester University, was just 12 years old and faced either being forced to join the Taliban or the NATO-backed Afghan army.

His mother, Razbibi, urged him to make his way to England, and he crossed 10 countries and suffered hunger and freezing conditions in his quest to make it to the UK.

Members of his family, including his father Dr Shakrah Ahmed, were killed during the conflict — which made Gulwali a target.

He was approached to publish his memoirs after giving an inspirational TEDx talk in Manchester.

Gulwali, aged 20, who lives in Bolton, said: “I tell of my journey from Afghanistan to the UK.

“I have always wanted to write this book but have not had time with all my other commitments.

“I am excited and looking forward to seeing it published.

"This book is about conveying an important message and educating people as to why I and many others make the journey to Europe, why people leave their countries, especially because of what is happening now in the Mediterranean and to know what happens on the journey, the human smugglers.

“I was watching a debate on refugees trying to come to Europe but there was no one to speak for them, explain why they do it, why they leave their countries.

“I feel as if it is my duty to tell my story, give a detailed account so people can understand.”

Gulwali, who attended Essa Academy and Bolton Sixth Form College, says this is one of four things he has achieved which he is most proud of — having carried the Olympic Torch for the London 2012 Games, going to university and given a TEDx talk.

When he first arrived Gulwali could speak very little English, but he was determined to work hard and contributed to the community which adopted him.

He has been a youth councillor, member of Children in Care Council (Voice4U), young ambassador for refugee and asylum seekers, young Labour representative and Bolton Youth International new arrivals representative.