A YOUNG author from Ringwood Waldorf School has made her mark in animal protection thanks to a gift for storytelling.

Hannah Probyn-Duncan, 12, from Verwood penned the tale called Spirit about the adventures of a wild dolphin.

And it impressed book publishers Paws and Claws so much they have included it in their book, Wild ’n’ Free a collection of stories written by children across the country which is published on June 1. In addition to her story one of Hannah’s illustrations will appear on the front cover.

She said: “I’ve always loved animals and making up stories and having my work published in a book which helps protect wild animals is very exciting.”

Every book sold includes a donation to the Born Free Foundation which has helped keep animals in the wild for over 50 years.