Children were treated to an extra-special story time when a local author dropped in to Waterstones.

Self-published author Liz Bennett, who writes under the nom-de-plume, Liz Poulain, read to children and signed books at the Dorchester store on Sunday.

Liz, who has worked in book publishing, editing and design for the whole of her adult life decided to make the leap in November 2017 and start her own publishing company.

Alongside her own book, 'the Black Cat on the Red Chair', Liz has published 'Scuz Williams and the Giant Amazonian Squirgle Worms' by local author Sue Worth and 'A Magic Smell for a Marrow', written by her late father Jack Elwin.

"It was a story he used to tell his grandchildren and children at the local school. We always talked about publishing it and before he died in 2012 we decided I would do the illustrations.

"He'd be so proud - my mum is really proud - I know he'd be absolutely delighted," Liz said. "The magician character I've created looks quite like him, it's quite recognisably my dad."

Liz began her company, Fuzzypig Books, in January. Fuzzypig is the Cornish name for hedgehog and Liz chose it as she wanted a name which 'sounded fun and had that West Country connection.'

"It's unbelievable. I started the company at the beginning of the year and in three months I have three books published and a window in Waterstones," Liz said.

She added she hopes her company could help other creative being break into the industry.

"Hopefully they will be a success and I will carry on publishing more and more. There are some really good writers and illustrators out there but it's very difficult to break into the market. I'll be happy if I can help them sell in even a small way. It's lovely to help people get their stories in print," she said.

Students from Manor Park First School helped Liz create the back drop for the window and Liz said children are her best critics.

"I will take my stories into school's in the future and get feedback from the children. They are the best reviewers and I am keen to do things that involve children in the local community," she said.

Debbie Scammell said she was just passing with her sons Joshua, 10 and Reece, 8 when she saw Liz telling stories.

"They are both complete book worms but it's really nice for them to be read a story. As they get older you encourage them to read for themselves, but it's a really lovely thing to be read to."

Children's book seller at Dorchester Waterstones, Tereza Manners: "We always love it when local authors come and show us their work and it's brilliant. Book shops are an important part of the community and we love to be part of the community."