THE writer of a recently published fantasy novel says she was inspired by the landscape of West Craven.

Lynda Thrift, formerly Lynda Sharples, was born in Skipton and brought up in Earby.

And her book, The Saga of the Sword - a blend of adventure, time travel, and even history - begins its tale up at Earby Waterfalls.

Lynda, who now lives in the Midlands, maintains strong links to the area and says she has fond memories of her childhood.

A former pupil of Skipton Girls' High School in the 1970s, she has used the backdrop of Earby and Barnoldswick to set the first part of her story.

She said: "The story opens with a young boy staying with his aged great aunt and wandering over to the waterfalls for something to do.

"The central character, if it can be called that, is the sword. I have imagined a treasure trove being found - the Eirby Hoard- of which the mighty sword of Eir is the prize. "Not only is the sword a magnificent treasure, it has the power to bend the fabric of time and space."

The story is aimed at the young adult audience but Lynda says older people in particular will recognise references to mill chimneys and weaving.

The book is published by Austin Macauley and is priced £10.99 for paperback or £3.50 on Kindle.