A book of nonsense poetry for children has been written by the ex-Mayoress of Dorchester.

Backpacking In My Bathtub has been written by Anita Harries and illustrated by Jen Cole.

The launch of the book took place in the Borough Gardens on the recent, very hot Bank Holiday Monday - next to the newly opened Kiosk on the Green.

With copies already sold in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and another wending its way to Australia, Anita and Jen are hoping she could have an international best seller on her hands.

The couple are hoping it will prove popular with children, parents and grandparents alike.

Anita describes it as a light-hearted read, as bonkers as bonkers can get, and is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of children everywhere.

With the cost of printing the book generously covered by a grant from the Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club, fifty percent of the money raised will go to Dorset Mind to help implement their services in the county town.

Anita said: “This is a bit of fun, a book full of laughter, each poem brought to life through the amazing illustrations created by Jen. We both very much enjoyed putting this together, whilst at the same time helping a very good cause. We need to understand mental health, treat mental health, and remove the stigma surrounding mental health. This is a cause close to both our hearts, and we are delighted to be raising money to help make this happen.”

Tim Stiles of Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club added: “It is an honour to be associated with this project. The book is excellent, and I wish them both the very best in their endeavours.”

The book costs £8 and is available from Kiosk on the Green and Café on the Green in Poundbury.

It can also be purchased by emailing harries-anita@hotmail.co.uk or jenny@jennysis.com, or by visiting fb.com/Backpacking-In-My-Bathtub