LATCHFORD author Gill Hoffs is inviting people to join her for an evening of celebration as she launches her third book The Lost Story of the Ocean Monarch: Fire, Family and Fidelity.

Published by Pen and Sword Books, it focuses on the Ocean Monarch ship which caught fire and wrecked near Llandudno in 1848 – just hours after leaving Liverpool.

To mark its release, the 39-year-old will be hosting a free Q&A and book signing at Waterstones, in Golden Square Shopping Centre, tomorrow, Thursday, evening.

There will be a short talk about local ship RMS Tayleur, the focus of Gill's first book The Sinking of RMS Tayleur: The Lost Story of the 'Victorian Titanic', and William and Mary, from her second The Lost Story of William and Mary: The Cowardice of Captain Stinson.

Mum-of-one Gill said: "I'm thrilled to be launching my third shipwreck book in Warrington, the town I'm proud to have called home for nearly 15 years.

"Like many people, I wouldn't have heard of the Ocean Monarch tragedy of 1848 if I hadn't read up on the Warrington-built RMS Tayleur.

"And I wouldn't have known a thing about the town's shipbuilding history if I hadn't spent time at the amazing museum and got talking to a curator there about local industries.

"It's a privilege to be able to research and write about these long lost disasters and I can't wait to share what I've learned.

"Naked sailors, French princes, abandoned toddlers, and heroic stewardesses will all get a mention on Thursday night – and I particularly hope to hear more from anyone who realises their ancestors were involved.

"The people of Warrington have been among my staunchest supporters and I'd love to celebrate the launch of my latest book with them."

The event will start at 6.30pm, with free entry.