A WEST Devon author has enlisted the support of local businesses to donate her books to a children's cancer charity.

Kathy Lovell, author of the book 'Under the Fountain' has gained the support of several businesses in Tavistock, so she can donate her book to children receiving support from CLIC Sargent at Derriford Hospital.

In total, 12 books are being donated to CLIC Sargent, which supports children and young people with cancer, for children and their families to read and enjoy.

Along with the books, Kathy is also donating an activity style book bag to help occupy children while they are undergoing treatment.

Under the Fountain, whose main character is a boy with leukaemia, gives children receiving long-term medial treatment the opportunity to see themselves as a heroine or hero in a story.

When Kathy shared her vision of giving the book to children in hospital, businesses of all kinds in the Tavistock area — Rockin Beads, Café Liason, Taylor's Restaurant, JS Downing Butchers, Dartmoor Country Clothing, Quinns, Bryant's Interiors, The Original Pasty House, Cornwall Farmers,Encore, Lucy Watson Osteopath and the Fireplace and Stove Centre — joined in the project.

Jo Annand, social worker at CLIC Sargent, said: 'I look forward to giving this book to children who are currently receiving treatment and I feel it will be a real inspiration to them.'

Kathy Lovell said: 'People's support and generosity means a lot when you're spending long hours on a hospital ward and at Christmas it's even more poignant.

'If you would like to share in the project of giving a book to a child in hospital for Christmas, your donation can be made at JS Downing Butchers and Cornwall Farmers in Tavistock.'

Books can be purchased from Book Stop or at http://www.underthefountain.co.uk">www.underthefountain.co.uk

The profit from every book sold will go to CLIC Sargent.