CHILDREN'S author Jessica Parish has had orders for her new book from as far a field as America and New Zealand as she adds her to name to the town's growing list of successful women authors.

Jessica, creator of the Pugalugs series, dropped by to entertain the little ones at BHS store in Church Square Shopping Centre on Friday, by reading her latest book 'Trick or Treat'.

And the stars of the books Pugalugs, Dug and Bella were at the store for the children to meet.

"The new book is officially out on September 7 but we are selling some today," said Jessica's husband Mark, 42.

"We have had customers in America, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden and have sold around 2,500 books so far, they are definitely getting out there.

"It has been a good success and we knew it would be a tough challenge setting up a new company."

St Helens has a strong track record for producing successful women authors who have hit the big time. Trisha Ashley, formerly of Cambridge Road and Carole Matthews, originally from Eccleston, have established themselves as queens of "chick lit", while Rachel Lyon has a growing reputation in the world of children's books.

BHS visual merchandiser Lyndsay Jordan added: "It's for the NSPCC so that's why we decided to have it for the children and I think it is important to get the town involved in our events."

The event at the store, which saw Jessica sign and sell copies of her books, also helped to raise money for the NSPCC, with £1 for every book sold going to the charity.