A YOUNG Bridestowe author and illustrator who has epilepsy is inviting locals to join her and enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake in the name of charity.

Katherine Curtis, aged 12, has written and illustrated her first book, Herbie the Horse Goes on Holiday. She is holding a National Tea and Cake Break to raise funds and awareness for Epilepsy Action. The charity supports people with epilepsy, including the 63,400 children living with epilepsy across the UK.

The event will be held on Friday, October 18 from 3pm to 6pm at Bridestowe Village Hall. Tea, coffee and cake will be on offer and Katherine will be signing copies of her book, which went on sale online last week. It will also be available in shops around Devon later in the month. Ten per cent of the proceeds will go to Epilepsy Action.

Anna Curtis, Katherine's mother, said: 'Katherine wanted to do something positive to support others and thought that hosting a National Tea and Cake Break would do just that. We also wanted to support Epilepsy Action by donating some of the proceeds of her book, Herbie the Horse Goes on Holiday, to the charity.

'Epilepsy Action was so helpful when Katherine was first diagnosed with the condition and gave us lots of information. I am so proud of everything that Katherine has achieved, especially writing and illustrating her wonderful book.'

National Tea and Cake Break, which takes place in October, raises vital funds for Epilepsy Action.

The event encourages tea drinkers and cake lovers to indulge their sweet tooth while raising funds for the charity. Since 2003, thousands of tea breaks have taken place, raising over £115,000. This money helps to fund the crucial information and advice services provided by Epilepsy Action. For more information about National Tea and Cake Break, visit epilepsy.org.uk/teabreak or call the fundraising events team on 0113 210 8800.

For more information and to buy a copy of Herbie the Horse Goes on Holiday, visit http://www.herbiethehorse.co.uk">www.herbiethehorse.co.uk

The book will be available at shops around Devon, including Mole Avon Town Country Store and The Arts Gallery in Okehampton, and Book Stop Tavistock from late October.