A MALVERN woman’s photobook of orchids on Malvern Common is proving a surprise fund-raising smash.

Jane Smith, who lives on the common, in Longridge Road, bought herself a simple camera earlier this year and started taking pictures of the carpet of orchids and wild flowers right outside her door.

Last month, she went online and compiled some of her favourite shots into a photobook and was taken by surprise when people started seeing it and saying they would like a copy.

Mrs Smith started looking for a more cost-effective way of reproducing the photobook and found The Coaster Company, based in Spring Lane.

Working with the local firm means she is able to sell the photobook for £10, with £5 going to support a charity she set up three years ago called Just Act Gambia, promoting sustainable tourism and community training.

Mrs Smith initially hoped to sell 50 photobooks to raise enough money to train up and license young people in The Gambia as tour guides.

But she underestimated demand for the photobook, which is flying off the shelves almost as fast as she can get it printed.

Copies have been snapped up by members of her Chance to Dance group, at Malvern Theatres and gym classes at The Splash, while it is now on sale at many venues across town including Malvern Book Co-operative and Malvern Hills Conservators. Two hundred copies have been printed to date and Mrs Smith believes another run will soon be needed to keep up with the demand.

“It really has taken off and I get such positive comments,”

she said. “People who have received their copies are now sharing it with others and I am now receiving more orders as a consequence.

“It has developed in to a full time job at the moment but it will make such a difference to a very poor community.”

To order a copy of the 38- page photobook, entitled Malvern Common in Spring and Summer, e-mail Mrs Smith at jane@justactgambia.org.