A TEACHER from Mere School is celebrating securing a book deal.

Rebecca Smith, writing as Rebecca Westcott, has secured a two-book publishing deal with Puffin, and her work has been recommended by authors Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy.

Hundreds of children, parents and guests went along to alaunch event in the school hall and heard a reading from her first book, Dandelion Clocks.

There was also a performance from the school’s Glee choir, cake from the kitchen, and goody bags of Puffin books, which were prizes for art, garden in a pot and writing competitions.

Local writing group The PennyBank Writers, Mere Gardening Club and artist Nick Andrew judged the competitions, commenting on the high standard of the children’s entries.

The book sold out at the launch event and then on the Waterstones website as well as Amazon.

Mrs Smith said: “I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from staff, parents and pupils at Mere School. I feel incredibly lucky to be launching Dandelion Clocks with so much support from the local community – it made for a really special and memorable day.”