An Ipswich author who specialises in writing books to benefit good causes has penned her ninth book for the RSPCA Animal Centre in Martlesham Heath.

Elaine Coltham, 60, began writing for pleasure as a youngster before turning her pen to write books for charity.

Now, for her ninth book, a collection of poems for children called A Little Help For My Friends, Mrs Coltham will be donating the entirety of the book’s price to the centre.

“I decided to help the RSPCA because I am a big animal lover, and I have always had pets.

“I really enjoy writing, and I’ve written poetry and a children’s novel, and I just thought it would be nice to combine the two, and do something very positive with it.”

Mrs Coltham, a teaching assistant by day, has involved the whole family in the project, with daughter Georgina Fowler designing the cover, and Mrs Coltham’s four grandchildren having provided illustrations.

For this book, the writer took inspiration from animals, as well as crafting her own take on the Beatles song With A Little Help from my Friends, taken from the point of view of a rescue dog.

The book has already generated £400 for the centre, with copies on sale at the animal centre in Martlesham and the store in Ipswich.

Mrs Coltham added: “It’s nice to think what people can enjoy from other people’s work, and I have helped other organisations”

Mrs Coltham was named RSPCA’s supporter of the month, and has raised more than £6,000 for various charities through her books, including St Elizabeth Hospice, the Salvation Army and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.