THE much praised short stories written over many years by the late Barbara Steele are to be relaunched in a new book next week.

The collection has been put together by Mrs Steele's daughter, Vicky Harper, of Longhope. The profits will go to The Friends of Lydney Hospital.

Mrs Harper explained: "Mum was a prolific writer. Following her death in 2005 I was left with boxes full of her work and decided it would be nice to publish some of her stories in aid of the hospital and in memory of the late Mr Melville Watts with whom she was very friendly."

Lydney Memories (Vol 1) is to be launched at Lydney Library next Tuesday evening (July 26) at 7pm. Signed copies will be available.

For many years Barbara Steele contributed regularly to the Review. Her work won an appreciative following as every story had a Forest link and frequently featured local characters. There were many references to the Severn and events at Lydney Docks where her grandfather had been harbourmaster.

She also wrote for a number of lifestyle magazines and produced several books of poetry, including 'A Lydney Girlhood.'

Mrs Christine Martyn, who is organising the

library event, says it is planned to combine the book launch with a display of old photographs.

Mrs Harper told the Review her mother had left enough material for at least three volumes of original stories.