A WENSLEYDALE woman who wrote her first book as a teenager is fast becoming a best-selling author.

Inspired by her pet pony Alf a miniature Shetland, at 17 Hannah Russell from Leyburn thought his antics would make good children’s story. After taking advice from an author friend she produced her first book: The Magical Adventure of Little Alf.

Now after producing a biannual magazine, opening her own shop and producing a joint biography with her best friend Alf, she has now launched her sixth book in the original series: The Mystery Map.

Miss Russell said: “This story takes Alf to Shetland where he meets up with his ancestors and distant relatives. It was interesting to research.”

As well as being from a small breed her two-year-old pony suffers from the rare condition of dwarfism, and has been a close companion for Miss Russell since their first meeting.

Miss Russell was previously national runner-up for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year and actively supports animal charities Every Horse Remembered and Brooke as an ambassador.