A Sandbach mum has written a book about the family's dog, Dolly, to help young children develop a love of reading and words.

Mum-of-three, Lynne Appleton, always loved reading books to her children when they were young.

Dolly the Dachshund actually belongs to Lynne's daughter Anna but has recently come to stay whilst Anna is away in Australia.

Lynne also hopes the book will help young children to learn to recognise in their own pets or their friends that we're all different.

The talented wordsmith started writing 'Who is Dolly' while she was revising for an art history exam.

"I'd always thought I'd like to write a children's book," said Lynne, who lives in Park Lane.

"It was while I was revising for an exam that I started to put a few words down and write the book.

"Dolly is a small dog with a huge personality and so much fun. She's a huge member of our family and we all love her.

"Every page in the book describes a different characteristic and I have used repetition to reinforce language and words."

Lynne tells the story of how Dolly becomes a 'dinosaur', ripping up newspapers, pens and toys and how she 'soars through the air'.

Lynne with Dolly as a puppy

Lynne, who is in her final year of an art history degree, has always loved English.

She worked as a secretary for the production manager of Sandbach's ERF as well as for the finance director of a major brewery in Warrington.

"Language is so important and learning that we all have different characteristics too is important.

"Children can learn to recognise in their own pets or friends that we all have different characteristics that make us who we are.

"Dolly reminds us that even a puppy is unique and special."

"Who is Dolly" is available through the publishers at https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/who-dolly