A FORMER Bolton woman is hoping for literary success with her first novel. Pamela Rogers -- who now lives in Lytham St Annes -- has just had her book published, Paso Doble, which draws heavily on her experiences of working life.

The book is an enjoyable tale of a young woman's struggle to raise her child alone. It is set first in Barcelona during the dangerous times of the Spanish Civil War and later in the north of England as Europe lurches into the Second World War.

She said: "The initial interest for the book came from stories I heard from ex-servicemen, and one or two of the incidents in it are based on events that actually happened."

The military theme is continued in a new novel she is writing set against a backdrop of the Boer War.

Before taking up writing, Pamela had a successful career in the Civil Service and received recognition for her work as Director of War Pensions. She was awarded an OBE in the 1994 New Year's Honours List.

She later took up a post with the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association where she still works voluntarily.

When she was a pupil at Bolton School, she was encouraged to write by a teacher, Miss L A Ford, and she says the novel is the result.

The book also has theatrical links -- something her family knows plenty about.

Her father was a talented dancer and musician as was her brother, while her aunt was the comedienne Hylda Baker. Pamela still has relatives living in the Bolton area.

Paso Doble is published by Serendipity, priced £5.99.