A MAGICAL story about fairies living in Leyland's Worden Park is the imaginative tale penned in a new book.

Carole Hatch, 52, who lives in a house on the park, off Worden Lane, has embarked on a magical journey of discovery and is writing a children's book based on the lives of more than 50 fairies.

She is hoping to finish The Worden Park Fairies early next year and have her tales on the shelves of the nation's book shops to entertain youngsters.

"Technology dominates children's lives in this day and age," said the former Myerscough College lecturer. "There are too many video games and not enough storytelling. When I was younger, fairies used to be most popular as they were magical and had an air of mystery about them."

Carole, who paints pet portraits, began making individual models offairies more than a year ago at the request of family and friends. But the concept has now taken on a life of its own.

"It was a natural progression really, I started making the fairies, then writing stories. Then I decided to write the book."

But Carole's life is anything but a fairy tale. In 1999 she was diagnosed with the debilitating disease, multiple sclerosis, and had to stop lecturing in animal care in 2001.

"I am a firm believer that positive thinking can work miracles. At the moment I feel brilliant, but there are days when I get up and just have to go straight back to bed," she added.

She will be illustrating the book herself and says that one fairy in particular has captured the imagination of her friends - Milly Tipple, the beer fairy.

Paul Baker, of Daniel Thwaites Brewery, who knows Carole through their interest in horses, is already a fan. He said: "Carole's stories are humorous and enchanting to both young and old, I have to confess Milly Tipple is my favourite."