BOOKS are always a good standby for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers and Nightingale House has two good reads for you to choose from.

A perfect present for anyone who grew up in North Wales around the war years is Sins, Hope and Redemption, a first novel by Rhos author Elizabeth Edwards. Her book tells the story of Catherine Ann, a young girl growing up in the first half of the last century, who faces a series of trials and tribulations in her quest for happiness.

Sins, Hope and Redemption has been published exclusively to raise funds for Nightingale House and is on sale for just £5, every penny of which will go directly to the hospice.

It is available now from the hospice, The Stiwt in Rhos, Rhos Library, Wrexham Arts Centre, Cartwright's Newsagents in Rhos and Siop y Siswrn in the People's Market, Wrexham. Copies can also be ordered by post, by sending cheques (made payable to Nightingale House Hospice) to The Fundraising Department, Nightingale House Hospice, Chester Road, Wrexham LL11 2SJ.

Another great gift idea is the Pro/Am/Celebrity Recipe Book compiled by Pat Venner, who used to run Venner's Restaurant in Hope with her husband Norman.

Pat said: 'I was lucky enough to be able to get contributions from politicians such as Tony Blair, Michael Howard and Charles Kennedy, and celebrities Phillip Schofield, Lorraine Kelly and Bryn Terfel to include in the book.

'There are also recipes from professional chefs, including Phil Vickery and Dai Davies, and from a host of talented amateurs. At only £4.99 this would be a great stocking filler for anyone interested in cooking or celebrities.

'I'm hoping we will raise a great deal of money for Nightingale House, which is such a great cause.'

The recipe book is available now from shops and businesses across the area, including Nalda's Hairdressers in Caergwrle, Steve Vaughan Butchers in Penyffordd, The Salon in Marchwiel, Greens and Things in Gresford, Vernon's in Holt, Hope Post Office, Jennifer and John Sutton's Applique Shop at the Plassey, The Moors pub in Bwlchgwyn, and Nightingale House reception. Alternatively you can call Pat Venner 01978 760327 or buy online at www.hospicecookbook.co.uk.

Nightingale House fundraiser Louise Elliott said: 'This is a great way for readers to solve their Christmas present problems while supporting the hospice at the same time.'

And if you're still stuck for ideas, Nightingale House has launched a special calendar to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2005.

Reflecting a nautical theme, the calendar reproduces paintings created by daycare patients at the hospice with the help of local artist David Lloyd. Each page has a seafood recipe on the reverse and the calendars are expected to sell out very quickly.

The hospice is also offering a number of Christmas Mini Friends priced at £1 each which would make ideal stocking fillers or tree decorations.

The goods are already on sale at Nightingale House and the hospice shops at Brook Street, Wrexham and Cefn Mawr.

The promotions department, on 01978 313134, would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to help sell either the calendars or Mini Friends.