THE story of a woman’s family in Sri Lanka and her own charity work has been told in a new book.

English Lady Sri Lankan Heart: Penelope Gordon – a Social and Oral History covers the history of Pene’s family and how and why they arrived on Sri Lanka, called Ceylon until 1972.

It is also a tribute to one woman’s philanthropy in the developing world.

The book has been compiled by oral historian Christine Tanner from Salisbury.

The 160-page book includes more than 200 photographs in black and white, and colour.

Pene, 80, was born in Ceylon, in 1937, but left that country in 1962. She lives in Hampshire.

She founded the charity, the Ragalla Aid Project, 20 years ago to helps the poor and underprivileged in her birthplace.

Pene travels to Sri Lanka, at her own expense, twice a year and stays for a month to personally oversee her charity.

To date, she has built 21 preschools and three girls’ homes (orphanages) and funds the Montessori training of the teaching staff and contributes to their salaries.

Many feeding centres receive assistance. Pene has also helped hundreds of individuals and families directly, including victims of leprosy, struggling university students and those needing a trade.

Pene raises funds for her charity by selling her home-made jams, chutneys, fudge etc from car boot sales.

All profits from the book are for the Ragalla Aid Project.

Christine said: "I am endeavouring to raise up to £7,000 from this book. The cost to build a new pre-school in Sri Lanka is £5,000."

Speaking about the inspiration for her books, she said: "I gain inspiration from recording and documenting the life histories of those whose accounts might otherwise remain hidden and untold; and, at the same time, I raise funds for charities. The recordings can be placed at the British Library Sound Archive."

The book is available at £10 from any bookshop or online. It is also available from Waterstones or from Christine at cptoralhistory@gmail.com