A UNIVERSITY student, who has been supporting children with special needs since she was a teen, has written a book to help youngsters feel comfortable in their own skin.

Catherine Lord, from Thelwall, plans to dedicate her life to helping children who have difficulties and has written a book, Mr Millet's Farm, to help teach children about loving yourself for who you are.

The 22-year-old, who first became a volunteer at Playability when she was aged 15, originally wrote the book while caring for Raj Freeman who has cerebral palsy.

Catherine, who has recently completed a degree in speech and language with deaf studies at Wolverhampton University, said: “I wrote the poem when I was in sixth form and read it to Raj. He responded really well to the rhyming words so I decided to turn the poem into a story.”

The book tells the tale of a bear in a wheelchair who goes to Mr Millet's Farm where all the animals are a little bit different.

The moral of the story is that it’s great to be unique and be who you are and Raj, now aged 12, has a starring role in the book The student, who is heading to Essex in September to complete a masters in speech and language therapy, said: “Raj was laughing along to the story. To him the rhyming words seemed like a song.

“He loves that he is actually in the book and he can’t take his eyes of the pictures.”

The book had been designed and self published on Lulu with illustrations by Catherine’s sister, Rebecca Lord, aged 24.

Catherine, who is selfless in her volunteer work for youngsters, said she had to pinch herself when she saw a final copy of the book.

“It was a bit strange as for so long it was just a story I said to Raj. I didn’t really think about it but now it’s here I can’t believe it.”

It has also been an emotional month for Catherine, who has recently finished volunteering at Playability Warrington after seven years.

Catherine said: “It was sad to say goodbye but I’m ready to start my masters now.”

Visit facebook.com/catherinelordbooks.