A CHILDREN'S author who saved Radcliffe Day Nursery from being closed in 1976 has released a new book inspired by her struggle to save the building.

Jo Marsden, who moved to Radcliffe in the early 1970s, set the template for HooHa house some 19 years ago.

The book is an introductory story to the HooHa House series, aimed at three to six-year-olds, following the story of how the HooHas - a team of household objects - try to save their magical home from demolition.

"It's important to me that children enjoy reading and that parents also enjoy and help their children to read," said Jo.

"Children should be encouraged to use their imaginations to their fullest so that they can write stories and let their creativity grow."

Jo's campaign to stop Radcliffe Day Nursery in Victoria Street from being closed began when she started sending her three-year-old son Luke there when they first moved into the area.

On hearing social services cutbacks threatened the nursery with closure, Jo led a campaign to save the building and lost her job as a children's TV show writer to give her full attention to the new cause.

Jo, whose surname was Kemp at the time and lived in Cross Lane, said: "What's more important, writing for kids or saving kids? It's a no-brainer."

A march of thousands through Radcliffe and Bury convinced the council that the nursery should stay open, which it has to this day.

Jo has enjoyed much success in her career since saving Radcliffe Day Nursery, creating children's TV programmes Jamie and the Magic Torch and Chorltion and the Wheelies. Recently she visited the nursery to give free copies of her latest book.

She said: "To see that hundreds of children have gone through the nursery over the years is fantastic and hopefully more will continue to go through."

Free copies of HooHa House and an activity pack are being sent to 60 schools around Radcliffe and Bury as part of a marketing campaign.

Jo will also be at Bury Library at 2pm on Saturday October 15 to read HooHa House to children aged three to six and their parents.

Youngsters can also take part in a colouring competition beforehand. Copies of the picture to be coloured can be obtained from Bury Library or downloaded from www.hoohahouse.com.

Youngsters can win a signed copy of HooHa House, and every child taking part will get a free badge.