A FORMER Test Valley mayor’s book for children is selling well and helping to raise cash for a Hampshire hospice.

Bryan Beggs, who was borough mayor from May, 1986, to May, 1987, is the author of Hello Pud-Swan, a tale of Melanie and Angela and their strangely-named friend, an invisible white rabbit.

Since the book was launched in September, 2007, it has raised nearly £3,000 for the Naomi House Children’s Hospice at Sutton Scotney.

Bryan is now preparing a sequel.

He said: “I’ve been going into schools in the Test Valley explaining what the book’s all about and I read part of the story to children. The ultimate goal is to sell the book UK-wide and raise money for all 40 children’s hospices in Britain. A sequel, Pud Swan Again, is already written but it hasn’t been published yet.” Bryan, who originally wrote Hello Pud-Swan to help his granddaughter, Shona, with her education.

“The book includes maths lessons, history, culture, scenery and other things from around the world,” said Bryan, pointing out that people could go online to pud-swan-org to find out more about the book.

Hello Pud-Swan, priced £8.99, is available from Oasis Christian Centre, in Romsey’s Church Street, and Romsey Tourist Information Centre.