A BRIDPORT author will take her latest book on tour across the UK - ending with a special reading in west Dorset.

Jilly Bentley has written and illustrated her latest creation, Bentleg Badsmeller of Barnacle Bay. In this first story, Bentleg is captured by his arch enemy, Snotwart Sniveller, but his faithful crew hatch a plot to rescue him from Whale Islands.

Mrs Bentley said: "As a picture book, it is great fun for younger and older children alike.

"It's a great story to read aloud to young children, or for older readers to take on themselves. Boys and girls can relate to the characters in the story, who are equally talented and ready for adventure."

She added: "The book has received a wonderful reception from the children who have read it and some of their reviews can be found on the interactive website, where the reader can send in questions to the characters."

Bentleg has also joined social media, setting up his own Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Mrs Bentley, a Bridport native, now spends most of her time in Brittany, France where she is busy with several creative projects as well as renovating an old farmhouse with her seafaring husband. The independent author's background is in psychotherapy, working mainly with children and young people and specialising in play therapy.

The book was originally written when the couple's children were young, and has been revamped and illustrated more recently.

Mrs Bentley's other love is travel and she often spends time in Vietnam where, with her best friend, they have set up a creative therapy program in a children’s centre, close to Hanoi. She now sponsors and supervises a young local woman to continue the work there, and Mrs Bentley will continue to be regular visitor.

A UK tour in support of the new book began this week, and will culminate in a reading and book signing session at the Pilot Boat Inn, Lyme Regis, on Sunday, October 9 at 11am. All are welcome to attend the event, and children are encouraged to dress up as a pirate or any character they like from the world of the sea.

Betleg Badsmeller of Barnacle Bay is currently available at Bridport Bookshop, Bearkat Bistro, Soulshine Café, Redbrick Café, Fruits of the Earth - as well as in Lyme Regis at Serendip, the Gallery Café and the Pilot Boat Inn.

For more information, visit the Bentleg's interactive website at bentlegbadsmeller.co.uk