FOR the first time in years, there will be no new Ruth Hamilton novel in December.

Ruth -- alias Bolton-born Linda Girling -- relates to the BEN that it has been a bad year so far.

A series of family traumas, including the death of her younger sister -- plus a further spell of ill-health herself -- has meant a major delay in writing her next book "Saturday's Child." "I'm now much better -- and thinner -- and I have finally started work on the book," states Ruth from her adopted home on Merseyside.

Virtually all her books have scenes set in the Bolton area and, while local fans will certainly miss their usual festive "treat", the latest news will assure them of another enjoyable novel in the new year.