A CHARD family who tracked down their long-lost brother only to discover he was a world-renowned animal trainer with a history of attempted assassinations and Cuban gun-running have published their story.

Sylvia Court had been inspired to investigate her family history when she discovered that her mother had given birth to an eldest son in 1932 who she had had to give away, and taken the secret to her grave.

With the help of her family, Mrs Court was able to track down 80-year-old Charles ‘Chuck’ Kemsley and discover what had happened after he was given away.

Chuck’s story and the tale of how Sylvia was able to track him down have now been published in a book titled Finding Chuck.

Sylvia said: “When we first met Chuck, he was 80 years old, ill and confined to bed. He certainly had a full and amazing life.”

After unsuccessfully attempting to assassinate a teacher during his traumatic schooldays, Chuck was sent to Devon to work at the Lamerton Hunt Kennels where he apprenticed and formally trained as an animal handler.

Sylvia added: “He was a complex character with a volatile temper and a chip on his shoulder, but despite his tough exterior, he had a deep sense of justice; despising bullies and always ready to defend the underdog.

“He was a man with a thirst for adventure and excitement, fearless, tough and invincible. He travelled the world, living a life on the edge, always seeking out danger and defying death.

“During his turbulent youth he was involved with gun-running for the Cuban rebels, working as a Hollywood stuntman, riding the wall of death, breaking most of his bones as a motorcycle scrambling champion, show jumping and even participating in the deadly ‘chicken runs’ on the North Circular Road.”

Chuck died in 2015, but his tales now live on through this new story.

The book is available to purchase online at Amazon.co.uk, by searching for Finding Chuck: Charles Kemsley: Family Secret - Incredible Life.