FAIRY tales have turned out to be just magic for author Irena G Wood.

As a child Irena, from Lowton, was an avid reader, and was enthralled by the works of Hans Christian Andersen.

“He wrote 168 fairy tales and I loved them all, and still do,” said Irena, whose third book has just been published.

“I am convinced that their magic helped me to use my own imagination.”

Irene is a member of Leigh and Atherton Writers Group and Tyldesley Creative Writers.

Her first book, Heather and the Spinster, was a classic fairy tale, published 25 years ago, then in 2002 she launched a second book, Magic Balloons.

Her latest venture is another children’s tale called Magic Mirrors, which is aimed at five to nine-year-olds and is illustrated by Irena, who is also a talented artist.

It is available from the writers group meetings, which are held each Monday at 10am in Leigh Library, or from Bents garden centre.

“Our group is looking for new members to share our interest and enjoyment in reading and writing,” said Irena.

Members have enjoyed a busy year with the release of a book comprised of poems, sonnets and short stories, and organiser Hazel Wellings published her own collection of poems and verses.