A pensioner has just had her first novel published at the ripe young age of 74.

Jean Everest, aka Jean Drummond Barrie, the pseudonym she writes under, only sent off her book the the publishers because her friend absolutely insisted she do so.

Mrs Everest, who lives in Imperial Drive, Riverview Park, Gravesend, has dabbled as a writer for years and has written poetry and other stories.

However, she had never sent off any of her work to any publishers, but when her friend Marion Gater read her latest achievement, Flame, she insisted Mrs Everest send this one off as it was such a good read.

She sent off the draft at the end of the year in 2017 and and the book was published in June last year and is now available in the shops.

Mrs Everest who has one grown up daughter, Anne, said: "I have always dabbled with poems and stories and my friend Marion has always read them for me.

"When she read this one she pushed and pushed me to send it off and so I did.

"My husband Barrie helped with the sending off, I can type on the computer but he does the technology bit.

"I was so thrilled when I heard back from Austin Macauley Publishers and learned they were going to publish it.

"It has been cut down by them a bit, but it is just a simple romance story set in the Second World War.

"I am interested in the war, not that I remember it, but I also like a happy ending and a good romance."

Her husband was also very pleased she is now an author.

Mrs Everest added: "Yes, my husband was pleased, but he keeps me grounded and jokingly told me not to get big-headed.

"I would encourage anyone who has a dream to become an author, just go for it like I did. People should chase there dreams.

"I should also thank Marion - without her I would never had sent it off."

The book is available to buy on Amazon and from the publishers or can be purchased in any book store if ordered-in.

The paperback edition costs £8.99 and the hardback £12.99 and e-edition can also be downloaded at £3.50.