AN aspiring young author has seen her work in print.

Catherine Howe, aged eight, from Colletts Green, Powick, near Worcester, has had her book Sam The Sunshine And Other Stories printed, with illustrations by her great aunt.

Her proud mum Helen, aged 42, said Catherine, a pupil at Powick Primary School, had written a lot of the stories when she was about six.

She said: "Ever since she started school she just read. She reads all the time and I think her imagination just runs riot. She has written lots more as well."

The book includes four short stories featuring characters such as Minnie the Cat, Sam the Sunshine and Draco the Dragonfly.

It has been illustrated by Catherine's great aunt Ros Rowberry, a well-known Malvern artist who was inspired to draw pictures to go with the stories after she read them.

Ms Howe said: "Ros just read one of Catherine's stories in the summer and she thought it would make a lovely book."

She said Ros had got the book printed for Catherine and it was on sale to anyone who wanted one.

Catherine held a book signing at the Blue Ginger Gallery in Cradley, near Malvern, earlier this month, where books are still on sale, and she plans to give part of the proceeds from book sales to her school.

Helen said the talented youngster also planned to hold a book signing at Powick Primary School, where she would sell copies.

"I have had people knocking on the door for them, I'm amazed," she added.

"It's lovely, she has taken it all in her stride."