A BALD, nervous blackbird became the unlikely inspiration for the first book by a Teesside artist.

Yarm woman Janice Foley penned Baldric the Blackbird after noticing a bird in her garden with no feathers on its head – a condition apparently attributable to nervousness.

Inspired by her feathered friend, Ms Foley penned Baldric the Blackbird, a book aiming to tackle nervousness and fear in children.

Ms Foley – known for her Roseberry Hare series of illustrations – is now celebrating after the book sold out on its first print run.

She said: “I was so excited to discover the book had sold out and another run was necessary – the feedback has been wonderful.

“We’ve done readings in schools, with teachers able to use different elements of the book as a teaching aid.

“In addition to the themes explored in the story, the entire book rhymes and the children can create their own artwork using the book as a basis.”

For more information about Baldric the Blackbird and the author, visit yarmoriginals.com.