AT the age of 83 Hazel Wellings can justifiably lay claim to having enjoyed a huge helping of life experience.

Over the past 11 years author Mrs Wellings, who lives in Leigh, has passed on much of that knowledge through the books she has written.

The former Cornhill Insurance claims handler moved to Leigh 23 years ago and since 2001 has published four books, the latest of which she is launching on Saturday, from 2pm to 3pm, at her favourite coffee shop Bella Cafe Bistro in Railway Road, Leigh.

“My books are all about life’s experiences, taking in nature, emotion and time,” said Mrs Wellings, explaining how her early works in particular reflected moments in her own life.

Her first book Shadows came out in 2001 followed four years later by Written in Sand and in 2008 Beneath the Surface. She is joint secretary (along with Pam Buxton) of Leigh and Atherton Writers who meet on Monday mornings at Leigh Library.

On Saturday she is inviting people to join her for refreshments at the launch of her latest work Autumn Rose at the gistro where you can share her wealth of knowledge.