Anthony Horowitz has been named as the new James Bond author, much to most fans' delight.

The English novelist, 59, is known for his multi-million selling novel series about teenage spy Alex Rider, while his screenwriting credits include Midsomer Murders and Foyle's War.

Those doubting whether Horowitz could take up Ian Fleming's pen with any success need not be concerned, for the new book will be based on an idea from 007's creator.

It will see the secret agent enter the midst of the 1950s motor racing scene, as part of a storyline inspired by proposed TV series, Murder on Wheels, that never came to fruition.

"Horowitz is an inspired choice to continue the James Bond literary saga," Ajay Chowdhury from the James Bond International Fan Club told ITV.

"He is a self-avowed Fleming fan and will bring all the excitement to the Skyfall generation of Bond lovers around the world."

Horowitz has paid tribute to Fleming's "extraordinary character", who has had "a profound influence" on his life and career.

"When the estate approached me to write a new James Bond novel, how could I possibly refuse?" he said.

"It's a huge challenge – more difficult even than Sherlock Holmes in some ways – but having original, unpublished material by Fleming has been an inspiration. This is a book I had to write."

Many James Bond books have been written since Fleming's death from a heart attack aged 56 in 1964.

Horowitz's novel is scheduled for release on 8 September 2015.