A MUM-OF-THREE has achieved her dream of writing a children’s book after being inspired by the legends of Portland.

Carol Hunt moved to the island five years ago and soon developed a love for the myths and history of her new home.

The 44-year-old began writing the time-travelling adventure for her children George, 14, and twins Jade and Jasmine, 11, three years ago.

The Portland Sea Dragon – the first in a series of children’s books set on Portland – is now set to hit the shops.

It follows 12-year-old Isabel whose curiosity about the past draws her back to 1616 where she encounters an island witch and solves the mystery of a young woman’s disappearance.

Carol said: “I was inspired by Portland – living here, hearing about the local myths and legends – and I wanted to write a book for children to bring those stories to life.

“I wanted to write something up-to-date and contemporary that made sense to children.”

Carol, who has a degree in English literature and history, trained as a teacher and worked in publishing in Hampshire.

She became an adviser to young people for Connexions South Central and at Waves, Weymouth.

Carol enjoyed combining her three passions of literature, history and children with the novel.

She said: “It kind of wrote itself, I started out to write about a dragon for my daughters and it grew and grew.

“I found a lot of interesting history books in Easton library and I spoke to people at Portland Museum.”

Carol has more books planned as a series of Portland Chronicles, featuring smugglers, mermaids, witches and a naughty farm dog called Gregor.

Carol will sign copies of the book at a launch event on Sunday, March 21 from 2pm until 4pm at White Stones Café Gallery, Easton. Children are invited to attend in fancy dress.

The book, published by Roving Press in Dorchester, will be available from RT Cards, Easton, The Lobster Pot, Portland Bill and White Stones Café Gallery.