A retired teacher has published a new children's book, teaching youngsters about the environment in a fun and creative way.

Gloria Edwards has written a selection of non-fiction books on the history of Cockermouth, but The Bird Who Sang a New Song has been "on the backburner" for years, waiting for its time to shine.

And after just a few weeks of polishing her story, Gloria completed the tale of Little Bird finding a new home after her forest was destroyed.

The retired Netherton Infant School teacher has "always dabbled in writing", and took the leap of publishing her first children's book last month.

Explaining why she chose to focus on the environment in her story, Gloria said: "I used to teach Year 1 and Reception, and I wanted to make the environment and how we affect the planet more understandable, and more fun to learn about.

"I had the story which I was pleased with, but I wanted good illustrations to make it stand out – the pictures absolutely make the book, they're just lovely."

And with the pops of colour and splashes of fun created by Carlisle-based graphic designer Karen Sawrey, Gloria has certainly achieved her goal of publishing a stand-out book, and will soon be visiting St Bridget's primary school, Brigham, to share her lovely tale with the children.

The Bird Who Sang a New Song is available to buy for £5.99 from The New Bookshop, Cockermouth, and Bookends in Keswick and Carlisle.