MANORLANDS is sharing in the proceeds of a book featuring words penned by a diverse group of women.

Nineteen contributors submitted material ranging from short stories – fiction and non-fiction – to character sketches and reminiscences.

The women, most of whom have Worth Valley connections, span all age groups and backgrounds.

Amongst them are a vet, a university dean, an admin worker, a full-time volunteer and a stay-at-home mum.

The project was instigated, more than a year ago, by Oxenhope mother-of-three Pauline Brown.

"I wanted to celebrate the fabulous women in my life and create something to reflect this in a joint enterprise," said the 61-year-old.

"Female friends and family were invited to write a short piece and the result was fantastic.

"They could write anything and so we have a real mixture of contributions that have trickled in over the past year.

"It has been an enjoyable experience creating the book and it was good to see it to fruition. We have created something permanent."

Two hundred copies of the book, A Slice of Life, were printed but due to its popularity another print run could follow.

"The response has quite surprised me," said Mrs Brown.

"Sales have gone very well and the feedback has been so positive.

"And although the main reason for the project wasn't to raise money for charity, I'm delighted that good causes are benefitting."

The book is retailing at £6.99 and several charitable organisations are receiving a share of proceeds.

Sales at Cobbles and Clay in Haworth and Oxenhope Co-op are supporting Manorlands hospice.

And copies sold at Sonia's Smile, Haworth, are helping Flush Away Poverty.

The venture has also led to cash donations.

Debs Butcher, who illustrated the cover for A Slice of Life, took part in last month's London Marathon in aid of Manorlands and received £100.

Flush Away Poverty has been given £60.

The book is also available through the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and The Book Case, in Hebden Bridge.

In addition, it can be borrowed via libraries – ISBN 978-1-78808-651-6.

Books have also been donated to charities, including Manorlands.

Mrs Brown added that a further, follow-up project was in the offing.

"We have generated enough money from sales to print another publication by a different group of amazing women," she said.

"Prompted by the recent Mental Health Awareness Week, we would like it to be one which will have significance in the area of mental health – written by women who creatively draw attention to both concerns and positive outcomes."