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With the long summer holidays fast approaching, parents will be looking for ways to keep their kids entertained.

That's where Dragons of Honeysuckle Valley could help.

The children's book was written by former Clacton resident, Maureen Wills, to keep her young grandson, Jonathan, amused during long walks.

She explained: "We used to go on holidays to Rustington in Sussex when he was about three, and we'd walk to the shops together.

"Getting him there was fine, but getting him home again was a problem because his little legs would start to ache.

"To stop him grumbling, I'd make up stories about dragons.

"Jonathan loved them so much that I began to write the down.

"Consequently they have been loved by four other grandchildren, Catherine, Amanda, Natalie and Hannah."

The stories stayed locked in a drawer for many years until Maureen's mother had a stroke, giving her the catalyst she needed to get them published.

"My mother made a good recovery and she, with the rest of my wonderful family, is very proud of my efforts," said Maureen.

The short stories in the book revolve around twins Otto and Blotto, and their sisters Lotty and Dotty, and the adventures they enjoy together.

"They nearly always get into trouble!" said Maureen, who is married to John.

Their grandfather in the book is based on 66-year-old Maureen's own granddad, Mr Titmarsh, who lived in Wyndways in Great Clacton for many years.

Maureen - who calls herself a scribbling granny - spent her own childhood in Clacton and Thorpe-le-Soken, before moving to Suffolk.

Now, her book is being sold in the Studio Bookshop in Pallister Road, Clacton, as well as Bookworm Bookshop in Holland-on-Sea, priced at £4.99.

She added: "I am always available to read or talk to children in local schools for free."

5:32pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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