A mother has realised her life-long dream to become an children’s author after her first book was published recently.

Heather Trefusis, 34, of Southdown, Harpenden, has released a series of four books based on her adopted battery hens which she kept as pets.

Heather came up with the idea for the series, entitled Four Little Hens when she first got to know her new pets.

She said: “I was so surprised by how much character each of the hens had and that’s how I got the inspiration for the books.”

Heather, who attended Sir John Lawes School and Oaklands College, said that releasing the books was ‘a dream come true’.

She added: “It’s amazing it’s literally something I’ve dreamed of since I was a child.

“I have a two year old and he absolutely loves reading the books. It’s so nice hearing ‘can you read the hen books, Mummy?’ because he actually loves reading them.

“I’ve had such a great reaction to them and not only from people who know me; the reaction from everyone is great.”

Heather will be donating 20p from the sale of every book to the British Hen Welfare Trust, which re-homes ex-battery hens.

She said: “They do such amazing work and have rescued nearly 500,000 of these sweet creatures over the years. I hope the books will raise a lot of money for them.”

For more information or to buy the books visit: www.fourlittlehens.com.