FORMER teacher and English lecturer has published her debut novel focusing on climate change.

O Man of Clay by Eliza Mood, who lives near Bishop Auckland, will be officially launched at the Guild Room, St Mary’s Church Parish Hall, in Newgate, Barnard Castle, at 6.30pm on Friday.

The event forms part of a Christmas meeting held by the Teesdale Action for Climate Transition (Tact) and will include reading by Ms Mood and Alex Lockwood, who has written The Chernobyl Privileges.

Ms Mood said: "My book is a fable about climate change. Most of the world’s major cities have been inundated, with a tsunami wiping out the houses, shops and schools along the Hartlepool shore.

"The story set over only a handful of days flashes between the past and near future of the protagonists Volk and Alma, who herself has a mysterious link to global entrepreneur and opportunist Volk."

Friday's event includes a discussion with Ms Mood and Mr Lockwood, chaired by publisher Rose Drew of Stairwell Books, which has published O Man of Clay.

Entertainment will be provided by Teesside singer Robin Dale.