A RAMSBOTTOM author is hoping to share his passion for the great outdoors with people of all ages with his new children's book.

The Happiness Tree by Danny English, the founder of the Summerseat-based CommuniTree outdoor education company, tells the story of a tragedy-struck world where all the happiness is being drained.

In the the midst of this calamity one tree manages to harvest and store up this happiness; but it will take a young girl together with a magical creature to save the day and once again release the happiness into the world.

The book is inspired by Mr English's years of work with children and adults where he strives to help people enjoy the educational, wellbeing and developmental benefits of the natural world.

He said: "The book has a number of different themes running through it but one of the main purposes of the book is to encourage people to go out into the outdoors, and find a special place where they can have fun and joyful experiences."

The story is one Mr English has told countless times at CommuniTree activities and story sessions, however he has finally decided to translate it to a physical format to spread his message as far as possible.

The father of one from Ramsbottom said: "I love telling stories. I think there's something magical about the interaction between a storyteller and a listener.

" But I can't tell this story to everyone. So by having it in a book parents and grandparents can read it to their children, and I hope that they can get as much out out of it as the children do."

A special Happiness Tree book launch and reading will be held at the Island in Summerseat from 1.30pm on November 25, including a roaring fire, hot chocolate and smores.