A RETIRED schoolteacher has launched a new career as a novelist.

Jean Hill, of Lower Moor, Pershore, got to work on The Knave of Hearts last year after having a life-long ambition to write a book.

With time on her hands and nothing to stop her, the pensioner, aged 70, spent a year writing the story, which contains elements of romance, crime and mystery, and saw it go on sale in Pershore and on the Amazon website just before Christmas.

The former business studies teacher said: "I've not done writing like this before but I've always wanted to, so I inspired myself to do it and really enjoyed it."

The book, which is based on a widower who starts a bridge club in an English country village, has been received well in Pershore. Eight copies were stocked in Arcade Bookshop on the High Street and copies flew off the shelves straight away.

Authorhouse, who printed the book, and other online retailers have also sold copies. Local scenes are featured in the book and Mrs Hill gives readers an insight into the bridge scene.

Feedback from townsfolk has been good so far. Mrs Hill said: "People who have read it have found the story quite good. It doesn't just appeal to people who play bridge. I am sure I have learnt a lot."

The former secretary of Eckington Bridge Club enjoyed writing the book so much, she is already half way through writing her second novel, called Twisted Way. She has also joined a creative writing group in the town. "It is a learning process and the group is a great help,"she said.