PUPILS who created their own book of free things to do across the area have held a special signing session to launch it.

Children from South Walney Infant school gathered at Barrow Library on Tuesday to sign copies of the finished product, Fun in Furness.

Over the past few months they have explored the area and worked alongside local artists and poets to create the alphabetical catalogue of local heritage sites and beauty spots.

Nancy McKinnell, headteacher at the school, said: "It was my dream to do this and the children have helped me to achieve it.

"We wanted to promote our local area which is really beautiful.

"We walked a lot more than usual as we didn't have a minibus but it was really nice to see the children out enjoying the area"

Mrs McKinnell first had the idea to create the book in 2011 when she saw something similar while on holiday in the USA.

The Year Two pupils used a variety of mediums to create a series of striking images ranging from a Lego model of Barrow Town Hall to a sketched image of Jubilee Bridge.

They also made collages, illustrations and sculptures of Roan Head, Piel Island, Hoad and many others.

"We wanted to give the children experience of the process of being an author," added Mrs McKinnell.

Artist Ellie Chaney and poet Kate Davies helped the multimedia project which was funded by Creative Futures, Natural England, Sir John Fisher Foundation and CBKB.

Another book signing will take place at The Dock Museum on Thursday July 13 from 2pm until 3pm.

Copies of the book cost £3 and are available from Sutton's in Ulverston and The Dock Museum.

Fun in Furness Highlights:

PACKED full of regional hot-spots, Fun in Furness prides itself on showcasing free and cheap places for all the family to visit, whatever the weather. Here are a few examples.

A is for Abbey: Furness Abbey is open seven days a week and often hosts special events ideal for family trips.

F is for Ford Park: Ulverston's premier outdoor spot is a lovely picnic spot.

N is for Nature Reserves: Walney is home to two nature reserves for those with an eye for bird watching or keen to explore wildlife.

Y is for Yesteryear: the book includes several QR codes which, once scanned with a smartphone, let you watch special videos based on local people's memories.