A SUCCESSFUL singer from Prestwich is branching out into a new field — writing children’s books.

Maxine Warner is well known as a vocalist who began entertaining audiences as a teenager and is still wooing them today.

After becoming a grandmother, the performer of Lemon Tree Band fame has discovered a new talent.

Maxine, of St Ann's Road, said: "When you have grandkids, you discover that they won't do some things unless you make the activities fun, and that often involves singing.

"I made up a song to persuade one of them to brush their teeth and, over time, it inspired the book."

Maxine has published The Wibberly Wobberly Tooth, which is aimed at children aged up to eight and comes with a CD of songs that match the story.

The book is part of the Tidderly Pops series, which Maxine hopes will be a big hit.

"We're producing toys of the characters and even a singing toothbrush. Christmas is a very key time of year for the book and, if it's successful, I think there will be a lot of potential for developing the series,” she said.

Maxine discovered her singing talent in a Pontins talent contest aged nine and signed a record deal aged 16, performing at venues such as the renowned Golden Garter Nightclub in Wythenshawe as a resident singer.

She then enjoyed tremendous success with the Lemon Tree band, performing at functions, charity fundraisers and even shows in France and Italy.

More recently, Maxine suffered problems with her voice, but the vocal training she got as a result led her to discover that she has a hidden talent as an opera singer.

She added: "I love to sing and I've been writing for about 12 years. It's wonderful to have been able to bring these two loves together in one place."

The book is now on sale via thetidderlypops.co.uk and Maxine held a book signing at Waterstones in the Mill Gate Shopping Centre in Bury last Saturday.