In 2012 David was invited to become a Panel Member in the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry in Northern Ireland. The Inquiry heard from over 500 witnesses and it delivered its 10-volume report as required by law in January 2017. David decided to retire at this point.Throughout his career David has been actively involved in a number of national and international professional associations and other Throughout his career David has been actively involved in a number of national and international professional associations and other organisations. One of his special interests has been the production of professional publications, and in all, as commissioner, editor or contributor, he has been involved in the production of over forty books and he edited the electronic journal Children Webmag for fifteen years. He also wrote a number of short stories for Peter and Andrew, his sons.On retiring David decided to take up short-story writing for children, and this resulted in the thirty-three stories about Mr Rat. However, On retiring David decided to take up short-story writing for children, and this resulted in the thirty-three stories about Mr Rat. However, Mr Rat’s origins go back much further. The original toy rat was made by David’s mother, Dr Margaret Lane, for Andrew in the mid-1970s from one of her old hats. There are photos of her wearing the hat in the 1950s, and it could date back to the 1930s. If so, Mr Rat is already something over 80 years old.

Mr Rat - toy rat, made out of an old hat, belongs to EmmaEmma - a little girl about 4 years oldWilliam - Emma’s brotherEmma’s MummyEmma’s DaddyAnna - Emma’s best friend who is about the same age as herUncle John - mother’s brotherUncle John - mother’s brotherLittle Rat - William’s ratTom the Cat - lives next door

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