A CONVERSATION in a coffee shop has led to a creative collaboration for two Lostwithiel friends.

Author Christine Bryden and artist Christina Morton will publish their children’s book Martha the Seaside Cat at the end of this month. It follows Martha, her kitten Polly, and Ginger, the cat next door, as they get up to all sort of adventures. As the playful stories unfold, we see Ginger being attacked by a lobster and Polly catch the bus to Truro – as well as taking an unexpected trip out to sea.

Christina says that she and Christine had great fun working together, as they share a sense of humour and the ‘childish mischievousness’ that is apparent in the stories.

They describe the book as being suitable for children of any age, as well as parents who love reading aloud.

Landscapes in the book are inspired by locations such as Fowey and Truro, together with a dash of imagination, says Christina, who worked at Boots in Liskeard up until around 10 years ago, when she decided to concentrate full-time on her art.

Martha the Seaside Cat is published by Pegasus and will be available from bookshops from Thursday, August 31.