TOWNS, landmarks and even local people have been immortalised in a brand new children’s novel.

South Lakeland and North Yorkshire are the backdrop for the fictional world of ‘Magnificat’ by Marilyn Edwards, who penned the purr-fect tale at her home in Hutton Roof.

“Kirkby Lonsdale is not mentioned by name but the central square can be recognised if you know what you’re looking for,” said the 67-year-old.

“We’ve got a wonderful local priest and he would be so embarrassed if he thought a priest character was based on him, but there are elements of him in the priest character in the book!”

She explained that the story is about a young boy and a cat who are both fighting for survival.

“Without giving too much away, the little boy in the story has to find the cat,” she explained.

“I wrote it that the cat is taken to the Ribblehead Viaduct because I wanted it to be a really wild place, away from Kirkby Lonsdale, so it is a really long way to get back.

“There’s a place on the A65 at Cowan Bridge, a little newsagents and post office. They don’t know I chose them - yet - but a big dramatic scene happens there too!”

Mrs Edwards, who lives with her husband, Michael, explained that she also visited the local Wainwright Animal Shelter for inspiration for a rescue centre featured in the story.

“I didn’t want to call it that so the place I wrote about I invented, but it is based on the shelter, which does amazing work.”

But it is not the first time the author has called upon the local area for her work.

She previously wrote a story called A Cat from Hutton Roof, which was a play on A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

“After that someone asked me if I’d only moved her to name my novel after the place,” she laughed.

Now Mrs Edwards, who has previously released both fiction and non-fiction, has had her work hailed by children’s author, Jacqueline Wilson.

Ms Wilson, who penned the Tracy Beaker stories, said: "Marilyn Edwards is the queen of cat stories.

“Magnificat is her best book yet, a truthful and touching story of a boy and a cat.

“It's a real page-turner and totally heart-warming.”

Mrs Edwards, who lives with her husband, added: “That is such high praise. When I opened the email I think I squealed with happiness!”

Magnificat will be released on June 1 and an official launch event will be held at the Country Harvest, Ingleton, between 12 and 4pm.

Mrs Edwards will chat to those who turn out and sign copies of the book.