AN AUTHOR from Ellesmere Port will sign copies of her debut novel in Asda on Saturday.

Former Ellesmere Port Catholic High School pupil Laura J Smith will be at the store from 10am-4pm signing her novel Splintered – with mayor of Ellesmere Port Pat Merrick as the guest of honour.

Laura, of Sutton Way, went to Whitby Heath County Primary School before attending Ellesmere Port Catholic High School.

She has battled health difficulties for most of her life and has rare illnesses super ventricular paroxysmol tachycardia and sick sinus syndrome.

Laura was invited to work as a performing arts lecturer at West Cheshire College’s Ellesmere Port campus, where she taught BTEC National and Foundation level Diploma classes.

Laura said: “Having plotted a detailed synopsis – I began to write the first few chapters when the opportunity arose to attend a signing with crime writers Stuart McBride and Mark Billingham.

“Both me and my partner love these two authors, so we went along and – being a little cheeky – I asked Mark Billingham whether he would take a look at what I had so far.

“He did! He got back in touch a few weeks later and gave me some really encouraging feedback and has even allowed me to quote him on the front of the book saying ‘I’m very impressed!’.”