SCHOOLCHILDREN in the New Forest have produced their own illustrated book of poems to sell as a Christmas gift.

The book features dozens of poems penned by six to eight year olds at Our Lady and St Joseph RC Primary School in Pennington.

A competition was held to find the best title and cover artwork.

Proceeds from the sale of the book, called When We Were Six We Had Sticks, will go to school funds.

The project was suggested by local poet Rosamund Browne, who visits the school once a week to help out.

She said: "Only having one morning a week means that we've had a lot to do in a very short time, but the children have been very enthusiastic and worked very hard. I'm proud of them all."

She added: "The staff have all been tremendously supportive."

The book is available to buy from the school.