AN award-winning actress, writer and teacher of drama will be leading a children's workshop at Bookstop, Tavistock next month.

Deirdre Edwards, who used to record Morning Story for BBC Radio and narrate romantic novels, is the author of the innovative children's book Willowby's World.

At the workshop, she will tell stories, read extracts and involve children in related activities based on some of the themes running through her book.

Deirdre said: 'Willowby's World evolved from my work with children in both a therapeutic and an educational environment. Dealing, in particular, with children's issues surrounding self-development, personal beliefs and creativity. I wrote it for independent readers aged eight to twelve and as a family reader with the intention that it should act as a self-empowerment tool for children.'

Willowby's World follows the adventures and progress of a child — Sonya. In answer to the questions she raises concerning her life at home and at school, her friend Willowby the Willow Tree, discusses her issues with her and goes on to explain his teachings through a variety of tales, which span space and time. Willowby's World, published by Newberry Press, is also available as an audio book narrated by Deirdre. Extracts from the book can be heard and copies of the audio book can be downloaded as an mp3 from http://www.willowbysworld.com">www.willowbysworld.com

The workshop will be taking place at Bookstop in Market Street, on Saturday November 20.