A Malvern teacher has had her latest children’s book published just in time for Christmas.

Lynne Hallett, who teaches English and drama at Malvern College, took up writing in 2007 when her sons were one and four years old.

She’s now had 10 picture books published - and by a Malvern company, too, Aspect Design in Newtown Road.

Her new book, Santa Scrooge, tells in rhyme the story of a rather grumpy Santa who decides he is not doing Christmas. It requires the efforts of Chief Elf, Rudolph and Mrs Claus to get things back on track.

Malvern Gazette: Lynne Hallett with her new bookLynne Hallett with her new book (Image: Lynne Hallett)

“This is a particularly special book,” said Lynne. “I really wanted to bring it out into the world four years ago, but my former illustrator, Roz Wolseley-Charles, passed away before she could start work on it, and I didn’t feel I could continue doing picture books without her.

“She was 85 when we started collaborating on my stories, but it was a blow all the same when she died as we had become good friends.

“Then by chance I met Anna Williams, who was my eldest son’s maths teacher at Hereford Sixth Form College.”

The two became email penpals during the first lockdown in 2020 and when Lynne discovered Anna could draw, asked if she’d illustrate her book.

Malvern Gazette: Lynne's book, Santa ScroogeLynne's book, Santa Scrooge (Image: Lynne Hallett)

“I couldn’t be happier with the result,” said Lynne. “She is amazingly talented and has really brought the characters to life. Working with her has been so easy and I know she is keen to illustrate more books.”

Lynne said the work of Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and Hairy Maclary creator Lynley Dodd inspired her to start writing her own rhyming stories.

READ MORE: Children enthralled by Lynne's tales

She also paid tribute to Aspect Design, the local firm that has published all of her books, after a bequest from an elderly relative enabled her to get her dream off the ground.

“They gave me the best advice when I was starting out,” she said. “Allan, Sue and Dan have become friends, too, during my writing journey.

“There’s something nice about my books being a completely local production and they are sold locally, too, at Aspect Design and at the Malvern Hills Art Gallery. They are, of course, also available on Amazon and as Kindle copies.”