A writer who volunteers for a North East hospital radio station has been presented with an international book award for her "page-turning" book.
Linda Dooks, of Billingham, volunteers at Radio Stitch, the volunteer-run hospital and community radio station which serves University Hospitals Tees.
She was was recognised in the International Impact Book Award for her debut novel Land of Opportunity.
Ms Dooks said: "It all started as short story. I joined Stockton Scribblers a few years ago.
"During lockdown, we all used to meet online and we’d read each other our work.
"As we shared our work, someone said they thought I could expand my stories into a novel.
"The idea took hold about life on a farm – it might have been linked to my farming days as a child.
"I sat down and Rose’s story poured out."
The story follows 15-year-old Rose Watson, who leaves behind a harsh life on the Yorkshire Moors for a new beginning in New York.
Ms Dooks developed the novel with support from Stockton Scribblers, writing one chapter every fortnight.
She said: "I had to do a lot of research into historical events and real-life people to make sure I’m staying accurate, like including the immigration office at Ellis Island burning down.
"That really happened, so I put Rose there to witness it first-hand."
Her dedication paid off when Land of Opportunity won in the historical fiction category.
She said: "I was chuffed to bits to win the award.
"I was so excited.
"When the email arrived, I wasn’t sure it was real and I sent it to the publisher to check it was legitimate.
"Being recognised for the book is so rewarding."
In addition to writing, Ms Dooks co-hosts Emma’s Afternoon Tea on Radio Stitch alongside her daughter Emma.
Andy Tingle, studio engineer at Radio Stitch, said: "Linda is part of the Radio Stitch family.
"The show she presents with Emma is really popular and fun; Emma plays the records and Linda reads her own short stories.
"We are so proud of Linda winning the prize.
"She loves writing and works really hard at it.
"We know there are more books to come and we all wish her the best."
Land of Opportunity is published by Blossom Spring and is the first in a series following Rose’s journey through life.
The second and third books are already available to readers.
Ms Dooks is currently working on the fourth and final instalment, which will carry the story into the First World War and through the Roaring Twenties.
She encouraged others to follow their aspirations.
She said: "Anyone can write a book.
"I always loved reading but growing up on a farm, if I was ever reading, my parents would soon find work for me.
"So to find time to read and scribble ideas, I used to take the dogs on longs walks.
"My mum was always asking me why the walks took so long.
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"I’d say to anyone, ‘follow your dream’. Whatever it is, you can do it.
"It took me until retirement to fulfil my ambition of becoming a novelist and that still included nine rejections from publishers before I got ‘yes.
"I danced about the kitchen when I got the call.
"You can do what you dream of. Just give it a go."
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