A CHRISTMAS book has been launched in a bid to raise over £20,000 for a children's hospice appeal.

It Happened at Christmas is the culmination of a five-year project by June Davey, the former North Dorset district hospice chairman for the Wessex Children's Hospice Trust (WCHT).

The book will raise funds for the Naomi House children's hospice Jack's Place appeal, which aims to build a new hospice for teenagers and young adults in its Sutton Scotney grounds.

Working with the late Alan Mercer and his widow Nita, Mrs Davey spent five years putting the book together, which includes Christmas memories from contributors such as Julian Fellowes, Leslie Thomas, Sir Cliff Richard and David Gower.

Mrs Davey said: "I went to people in the community and creative writing groups, bishops and dignitaries, even Harrods and Liberty's, to get material.

"It took years and there were several setbacks, but it was all very interesting."

The illustrations include Giles cartoons and some previously unseen Norman Rockwell paintings.

The new hospice will include six bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms big enough to accommodate wheelchairs, specialist medical equipment and supplies.

Its aim will be to provide more privacy and independence to 14 to 26- year-olds from across central southern England.

It Happened at Christmas is published by June Davey and Nita Mercer at £5.99 and will be available from hospice shops, local fairs or phone 01258 830377 or 01258 830406.