A BESTSELLING children’s author and illustrator signed copies of her latest book during her visit to a North-east cathedral.

Jackie Morris signed copies of her books and jigsaws at Durham Cathedral Shop.

The author, who is based in Wales, has published around 30 books, both as a writer and illustrator for other people’s work.

Her 2004 book The Seal Children won the award for Best English Language Book. Her latest work, Something About A Bear depicts the lives of different types of bears across the world. She has also written a novel for older children.

After an early career spent designing post cards and calendars, she moved into illustrating children’s books.

She said: “You have to be brave to write, paint and publish. You open yourself up to all kinds of criticism.”

Now a critically-acclaimed artist, Jackie said she still tries to make time to speak personally with her young readers.

She said: “It’s lovely to meet the people that enjoy my work.

“It’s a real privilege.”

The Cathedral’s business support manager Vanessa Ward said: “It is always a real pleasure to welcome an author into the Cathedral shop and we hope that people enjoyed meeting the creator of these wonderful stories”.