BOLTON actress Sammy Winward has revealed the inspiration behind her new book — her 10-year-old daughter Mia.

Her debut book, Princess Phoebe Meets the Tudors, is the first in a series about a time-travelling princess and has already won praise from teachers and parents for its unusual take on royal life, where princesses wear hoodies and trainers rather than sparkly dresses and heels.

The former Emmerdale star and self-confessed history geek wanted to create a strong female character for young girls, like Mia, while they learn about important historical events.

In the book, Princess Phoebe finds a magical time travelling photo album that allows her to visit different eras and meet various important historical figures.

Miss Winward, aged 29, said: "The process has taken about two years but it's been fantastic.

"I came up with the idea while I was reading stories to my daughter. I realised there was nothing for children that had characters taking them through history so I decided to write my own.

"I wanted to do a story where the main character wasn't the traditional princess, so Phoebe wears hoodies and trainers like normal girls.

"I used to love reading history books and fiction like Roald Dahl when I was younger. I've always loved history, I'm a bit of a geek, so I decided to put that together with a fun story that children could relate to."

Miss Winward has thrown herself into her new venture since leaving Emmerdale earlier this year after 13 years as the feisty Katie Sugden.

Miss Winward said: "It's really nice to get to know a different generation — who I was in Emmerdale doesn't mean anything to the seven to 12 age group, so they're not judging me on anything other than whether they like the story.

"Mia absolutely loves it. I think she is more proud of me for the book than she has been about anything I've ever done in 13 years of Emmerdale."

The former Turton High School pupil will read from Princess Phoebe Meets The Tudors at Waterstones in Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington, on Saturday.