A PRIMARY school teacher from Moretonhampstead has described her first books nomination for the People's Book Prize as 'very rewarding'.

Francine Bowden has seen her debut children's book 'The Somewhat Bumpy Story of the Bath on Legs' published by Pegasus Publishers.

The tale has a novel twist – the story is told from the perspective of a snooty bath on legs. The tub has magical and mysterious properties that send two children generations apart on two exciting adventures.

Francine started writing the book back in 2010, during her first year of teaching. Before that she dabbled in poetry and story writing as a hobby.

The book was named Pegasus Publishers' book of the month in April and has reached its bestsellers list. To recognise Francine's achievement the publisher has nominated the book in the children's category of the People's Book Prize 2015 Summer Collection.

Francine said: 'When I found out that I was nominated it felt very rewarding and as though the publisher wanted to give my story some recognition, I felt that this was a sign that it had been accepted and that they must see potential in both me and my book. Sales on Amazon are going well I think and I look forward to finding out some facts and figures in due course.

'I am not expecting to win the award as there are so many incredible writers out there to compete against. However, to be noticed feels really special and very exciting. If I were to win I would feel as though all of my hopes would have been reached — it would be the icing on the cake.'

The award is voted for entirely by the public and runs from now through to August 31. To vote for Francine's book visit http://www.peoplesbookprize.com">www.peoplesbookprize.com and find the book in the summer collection children's category.