A children's story written by a Barnet author before her death has been published by her husband Tony Barnes who organised a book launch in her memory at Barnet Museum.
Wulf and the Power of Thorn is the second of three books by Jo Barnes who was a founder member of a local writers’ group.
Her first book, Odd Fox Out, was published last year.
Mr Barnes – above right with Mike Noronha, curator of Barnet Museum -- intends to publish all three in tribute to her dedication in creating exciting story lines for children.
Past and present teachers who taught with Jo at schools across London were among the gathering of friends and colleagues at the launch party.
Wulf and the Power of Thorn – aimed at children of ten and upwards -- is a historical fantasy set in 1066 after the English won the Battle of Hastings.
When thirteen-year-old Wulf went into battle against the Normans, his mother gave him a rune-stone, a good luck charm to wear round his neck.
He finds himself drawn into a world of kidnap, intrigue and sorcery, along with his friends Oz, Bronwen and Abdul, as he struggles against monsters and evil powers.
At the launch party, extracts from the book were read by Angela Kanter and Penny Joelson, another local author.
Penny and Jo formed a writers’ group 20 years ago to develop their writing skills.
The cover illustration was drawn by Reena Patel who also drew the cover for Odd Fox Out.
She said she loved books about magic and mystery and was proud to have risen the challenge set by Tony who said the cover picture needed to conjure up “a great fountain of fire”.
Mr Barnes, who lives off Manor Road, had been married to Jo for 50 years until her death from ovarian cancer.