Keen amateur writers have launched a book dedicated to their late tutor Bernardine Freud.

As Long as It Takes features two poems written by members of the Stradbroke Writers who were taught by Ms Freud, wife of the late painter Lucian Freud.

The book, which also includes a poem by Kate Foley and is illustrated by Gerald Nason, features an introduction by Ms Freud’s daughter, Esther.

It was launched at a special event in Laxfield at which the writers read their work and copies of the book.

Group member Babs Maycock said Ms Freud, who lived in nearby Ubbeston and died in 2011, had held monthly workshops for 10 years with the group, which had sprung up from her love of writing.

“We were so shocked at her death because she went into hospital feeling unwell and 10 days later she was dead,” she said. “It was a real shock and of course it was only four days after Lucian Freud.

“We were at sixes and sevens because we were amazed so we wondered if we were going to continue but a few of us got together and said should we get this book together? We thought it would be a fitting tribute that we continued and all her enthusiasm and encouragement was put into this book.”

Ms Freud ran many writing courses in Suffolk and also taught at the University of East Anglia.

She was a committed gardener, publishing a book called The Garden of the Jaguar, about her time in Chiapas Mexico and was a keen dancer, tango expert and drumming workshop enthusiast.

She travelled in North Africa, Cuba and South America and closer to home she was a tree warden for her parish and developed her own garden in Ubbeston.

“It’s taken quite a while and not many people have seen the book because it only published before Christmas but those that have are very pleased because it’s beautifully illustrated,” Mrs Maycock added.

For more information on the writing group or for copies of the book, which costs £5, plus £1 postage and packaging, email Mrs Maycock at stradbrokewriters@gmail.com.

The book is also available to purchase on Ebay.