Bereavement can be hard to cope with at the best of times but for children it can be particularly traumatic.

Now a writer and an award-winning illustrator have produced a book to help youngsters cope.

Remembering, an illustrated memory/keepsake book, was launched by the Child Bereavement Charity.

It was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of a loved one and to give them a place to return to whenever they wish.

The author is Dianne Leutner, from Elmsted, and it has been illustrated by Daniel Postgate, from Regent Street, Whitstable, the son of Bagpuss creator Oliver Postgate who died a short time ago.

In the book the child is able to write about the memories they have about the person who died. There is also space for drawing or sticking pictures. The book has been designed by Joan Gorman, from Hastingleigh.

Mrs Leutner came across grief a lot during her childhood and when her father died a few years ago she wanted to turn the sad experience into something positive.

Remembering is suitable for any child who may have lost a brother, sister, parent, grandparent, friend or any person that they may have known. It is available from the Child Bereavement Charity website at www.childbereavement.org.uk and costs £5.