A TEENAGER has started work on her second book, after her first was published by her grandfather.

Nikita Cadman, 13, from Harrowgate Hill, Darlington, wrote Island Disaster as part of a homework project at Longfield Comprehensive School.

The story so impressed her grandfather, Arthur Cadman, from Spennymoor, that he decided to have 300 copies of the story printed.

The book, which tells the story of children forced to survive in the wilderness after an aircraft crash, is on sale for £1.99 at Ottakar's book shop in Darlington.

Nikita said: "I didn't know it was being published until I was given a copy. I couldn't believe it.

"My friends at school have been great. They have all supported me and bought the book."

Teacher Sue Wilson said Nikita was a fantastic student.

"She had done nothing like this before but she got into it and it just took off," she said.