A STOGURSEY resident is celebrating the recent publication of her children's book Lucy and Her Unusual pet.

Christina Hughes took four years to complete the book, which is aimed at nine-12 year olds, while working on other stories and poems.

She has had short stories and poems published in books before but felt so strongly towards this story that she paid to have the book released on its own.

The story follows little Lucy and her unusual pet snail Barney. One morning, she walks into the garden to find that Barney is trapped in the neighbour's garden and the adventure ensues.

Christina, who was born in Weston, said: "This book is all my own words and creativity and I hope it will engage children to use theirs.

"I really enjoy living in Stogursey. It is a very peaceful area, especially at night, and this helps my creative ideas to flow."

Christina is hoping the book will be a success and hopes to have follow-up stories, Lucy and her Unusual Pet's Adventure and Lucy and her Unusual Pet's Freedom, will be published too.

In the past, she has worked as a carer for children and has received positive feedback from those who have read the story.

Athena Press, the company publishing her book, were initially very impressed with it and commissioned its publication within months of receiving her finished product.Editor-in-chief Mark Sykes described the book as: "Fresh and original writing for youngsters of a quality we see too infrequent.

"It is intended to engage their minds, to encourage their understanding for reading and to improve their educational needs."

Lucy and her Unusual Pet was released in the USA on February 11 and just last week in the UK. It is currently available to buy on Amazon and Christina is awaiting confirmation from WH Smith to see if it will stock her book.

However, Christina is not too fond of Barney, the unusual pet within the story. She adds: "I don't like snails. I think they are disgusting, but I do have an interest in lots of things including animals and people.

"I have put a lot of money and hard work into getting this book produced and I am pleased it finally has. I knew I could do and I know I can achieve more."