A CHILDREN'S book inspired by a little rabbit's escape from the clutches of a hungry cat has been published to raise funds for a south Norfolk church.

Copies of Lucky the Little Black Rabbit are now on sale with all proceeds being donated to St Mary Magdalene Church in Pulham Market.

It is the first children's book written by grandmother Charlotte Hays, from Pulham Market, although the budding author successfully launched a cookery book last December on how to create an array of tasty meals from leftover scraps of food.

Proceeds from the sale of the book, named Second Helpings, were given to the Pennoyer's Village Centre in Pulham St Mary.

On her latest offering, the 62-year-old said: 'A couple of years ago there were two black rabbits at the end of our garden. One day I looked out of the window and saw one of the rabbits being carried by a cat and thought 'oh dear, that's curtains' but later in the day I went to the window and saw the rabbit hoping back so I had to invent a story about how it got away.'

The paperback, which has been illustrated by fellow Pulham Market resident Angela Rawson, is available from the village shop in Pulham Market, Diss tourist information centre, and bakers Rich Pickings and clothing store Kids Wear both in Harleston.

Mrs Hays said she hopes to continue writing for children.

She said: 'I have enjoyed it. I went and read to the play group in the village and the reception class at the local primary school and they really listened intently. I have written two more although they haven't been illustrated yet.'