Time for Coppernob by Denny Mallows, £7.95

THIS children's story is a departure for an organisation which is more used to publishing non-fictional railway books.

However, the Cumbrian Railways Association obviously saw something promising in Denny Mallows's book, which is based on a real Cumbrian steam engine Coppernob.

The story tells of two children - Liana and Joe - who are hurled back in time after pulling a one of the levers in a little signal box while visiting the National Railway Museum in York.

Their unplanned trip back in time allows them to meet Coppernob's old driver and gives them a chance to solve present-day issues with the engine, which is on display in the museum.

The pair face danger and problems - not least how they can get back to their own time - and there are a few mysteries to be unravelled.

Time for Coppernob is illustrated throughout with images painted by Philip Bannister.

A spokesman for Cumbrian Railways Association said: "Publishing fiction represents a new venture for us, but this special story promotes the history of a Cumbrian engine in a unique way."

Available from bookshops and The Cumbrian Railways Association. Email sales@cumbrianrailways.org.uk