A FORMER Leyland woman is making her mark in the world of embroidery - and now she's illustrated two books with her designs.

Belinda Downes, 34, who attended St Mary's High School, Leyland, uses bright, colourful needlework to decorate her books.

So far she has published two, a collection of Christmas carols called Silent Night and one of nursery rhymes, A Stitch in Time.

It was no surprise to her parents who still live in Windsor Avenue, Penwortham, when she first took up art.

She had always wanted to be an illustrator, and told her arts teacher Mrs Scott 20 years ago, exactly what she planned to do.

"The school was very encouraging, I think they knew I'd do it," she said. But she first studied textiles and used a needle and thread to create her own personal style which has now become renowned throughout the world.

"The books have been amazingly successful," she said: "They are selling in countries like Japan and America."

Belinda, who's about to give birth to her first child, says she's hoping motherhood will give her fresh inspiration.

"Maybe the adult mind is just too complicated," she said: "You get lots of simple ideas from children."

Her next books, due to be published next year, include one about babies and another is an imaginary view of angels.

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