AN author who graduated from the University of Winchester with an MA in Writing for Children was returning to the city today to talk about her success.

Jill Marshall has just landed a four-book deal with publishers MacMillan for Jane Blonde - Sensational Spylet and was officially launching the series in the atrium of Winchester's Theatre Royal.

Jill, who now lives in New Zealand, said: "I am thrilled to back in Winchester for my UK book launch.

"The original inspiration for the book has come from my young daughter Katie and watching the workings of her imagination, and from a mysterious frog who lives in the amphibian house of a wildlife park based on Marwell Zoo."

For more information about Jill's books, visit www.meetjaneblonde.com