A Workington author will be publishing her 10th book later this year and has lots to celebrate.

Helen Haralsden, a teacher at Keswick School, published her first novel, Little Pearl, in 2019.

She went on to make a name for herself with her two series, Amber's Pony Tales, based on her own childhood ponies and experience of equestrian sport through the UK Pony Club, and Daley’s Dog Tales, based on her dogs, Lucy, Petra and Bella.

One of her books, A Tale of Two Shoes, got to number 1 in Amazon's 'books about recycling' chart.

Another book, in her Daley's Dog Tales trilogy, has been selected as a finalist in a book cover competition.

"I'm delighted that the artwork of illustrator Steve Hutton has been recognised for this book cover," said Helen.

"The stories feature my own dogs as the characters and Steve worked from photographs of them to ensure there's a likeness in the illustrations in the book and on the cover. "I met Steve several years ago when I invited him to come into my school (Keswick School) to work with my Writers & Illustrators Club. He's a wonderful artist and also a very talented writer."

Helen will be releasing the final book in her Amber's Pony Tales series later this year.

"It will be my 10th book," she said.

"As this series was the one that got me started as an author, I have mixed feelings about it coming to an end.

"I'm pleased and proud to have completed the full series and gained a readership who love the books, but sad to be leaving those characters behind."

Trio share camping know-how: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/20683166.cockermouth-trio-share-camping-know-how/