Last updated 14:01, Monday, 27 October 2008

AN Ulverston-born author has realised a lifelong dream of seeing her work in print following the release of her new children’s book.

NEW RELEASE: Author Sarah Dodd with her book An Angel Anyway, outside the Tinners’ Rabbit Bookshop in Ulverston JON GRANGER REF: 0455710

Sarah J Dodd’s Christmas tale An Angel Anyway has been published by Anyway Press and is available to buy in Ulverston at The Tinners’ Rabbit and the Bible Shop in Mill Hill.

Ms Dodds, who has two more children’s books due to be published next year, grew up in Ulverston but now lives in Lancaster. She regularly visits her parents at their home in Great Urswick.

She said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, like when some people have an ambition to be an astronaut.

“I had the idea for the story four years ago. I scribbled it down but then left it because I had kids and didn’t have time to write. Then recently I found it in the loft, thought ‘oh that’s actually quite good’ and polished it up into a finished product.

“My roots are up here, I’ve got great memories of Croftlands School and it’s fitting because my age at that time is the audience of this book.”

The book is being launched at the Duke’s Theatre, Lancaster, on Thursday with a free family event.

Ms Dodds, 39, who is also a primary school teacher, will be reading from her work over three 45-minute sessions and there will be refreshments and Christmas crafts.

Children are invited to come in nativity fancy dress if they wish.

Ten per cent of all sales on the launch day will go to Care for the Family, a charity that provides free support and advice for families.

Sessions begin at 1.45pm, 2.45pm and 3.45pm in the theatre’s gallery.

An Angel Anyway, illustrated by award-winning Middlesbrough artist Martin Allen, tells the story of Emma, a feisty girl who longs to be the angel in the school Christmas play.

She dreams of sparkly wings and long white dresses, but unfortunately she is given the part of the cow. But when disaster strikes, will Emma save the day and be an angel anyway?

On The Tinners’ Rabbit bookshop, Ms Dodds said: “It’s a great little shop and it suits my work because it’s an independent bookshop which supports local authors.”