"DRAGON'S Breath and Yellow Wellingtons" is the intriguing title of the first book by a fledgling Lake District author.

Chloë Rebecca Bryde set out to capture the magic of the mountains as well as her own childhood in Windermere, growing up as one of six sisters.

The 27-year-old taught English in Finland before she and partner Kyle Wilson had baby girl Aurora, who is now two. The toddler is named after the Northern Lights that glowed over Keswick in October 2015.

Former Queen Katherine School, Kendal, pupil Chloë self-published the story, which follows a day in the life of "robust five-year-old lass" Tilly Buttersworth.

Illustrated with Chloë's own drawings, photography and digital painting, the book sees Tilly pack her coat full of sandwiches, close the door on her mother's stone cottage in the rugged Lake District hills, and embark on a dragon-seeking adventure with her closest friend, Little Robin.

Tilly tells readers that five-year-olds are "perfectly capable of being both independent and intuitive", and Chloë firmly believes that time spent in the fells is enriching and empowering for both young girls and boys.

She told the Gazette: "I have been inspired by the wilds of the Lake District and find magic in the limitless adventures of a child's imagination. It's a perfect read for children developing their skills as independent readers while providing younger children with an opportunity to escape to the mountains at bedtime.

"Dragon's Breath and Yellow Wellingtons is a moral tale, with lessons of independence, self-confidence and understanding others."

She added: "I am hoping my book will also encourage more children both locally and worldwide to get their wellies on and discover our beautiful landscape for themselves."

Chloë and Kyle are expecting their second child in May, and the busy mum has also begun writing her second book.

Dragon's Breath and Yellow Wellingtons is on sale at www.amazon.co.uk