A CHESTER author scooped a gold medal award for her first children’s book, Ship Rats.

Now Rhian Waller, 32, who grew up in Mold, is set to release the sequel on May 19.

It will feature pirates, scoundrels, mutiny, and an epic voyage half way round the known world.

Miss Waller, who works at the University of Chester, said: “I recently found out my first book for kids won the Wishing Shelf Gold Award in the 5-8 age bracket.

“It’s really been a brilliant boost. The award is judged by school children, so to get the thumbs-up from a dozen of the best and most honest critics out there is great.”

Both Ship Rats and its sequel Pirats are part of the Rat Tales Trilogy.

Sales from the books support APOPO HeroRATS, a not-for-profit organisation that has cleared thousands of landmines in countries like Cambodia, helps diagnose tuberculosis in patients and is now involved in stopping the illegal trade in rare animal parts.

Miss Waller said: “They’re a brilliant group. They train Giant Pouched Rats to use their noses in all sorts of interesting – and safe - ways. They can sniff out sickness and buried weapons. They’ve saved hundreds of human lives “

The two books, which will be followed by Sea Rats, the last in the trilogy, are written for young, confident readers.

They tell the story of Rip, Lu and Preen, three little rodents that end up stowing away on board a trading ship.

Miss Waller said: “They get up to all sorts of mischief and find themselves in all kinds of danger. In this book, Rip, who is the loyal big sister, is separated from her family. She’s stranded on a different ship and quickly finds not everything is as it seems…

“The books have a historical background. There’s plenty to talk about with young readers. I’ve already had a great conversation about animals and adventures with young aspiring writers at a Storyhouse workshop.”

You can sign up for a free e-copy of the first book by searching: “Pirats E-book launch” on Facebook and clicking “interested” on the event page.

A signing and book tea, with free tea and cake, will also take place in Sally’s Secret Garden in Chester from 2pm to 4pm on May 19. Visit www.tinyurl.com/wallerbook to join in.