A LIFE-long dream has come true for one Leigh pensioner who, at 72, is celebrating at having her first book published.

Hazel Wellings, of Orchard Close, Leigh, launched her debut poetry book, Shadows, this week at Leigh Library, in what she hopes will be the start of her literary career.

The collection of poems took 18 months to be published by Towpath Books, but Hazel is undoubtedly thrilled to see her work in print.

She said: "I'm on such a high. It's all so exciting. I've got lots of parties planned and hopefully I will be visiting bookshops in the area but I just hope people enjoy it."

Five years ago, Hazel became a member of the Leigh Writing Circle and was encouraged to aspire to her dreams of being published.

All profits raised from the sale of her book are used by the organisation to get other wannabe authors published in the future.

l Shadows is published by Towpath Books and is available from Leigh Library and local bookshops.