TEIGNMOUTH features as the home port for a mermaid in a new children’s picture book which will raise money for two marine conservation charities and inspire young marine eco warriors.

Ruby Rockpool and The Garbage Patch King has been written and created by professional mermaid and passionate conservationist Hannah Pearl.

Hannah, who grew up in Plymouth and now lives in Bristol, has aimed the book at three to six-year olds.

The hero of the book is a marine warrior mermaid called Ruby Rockpool, who lives in Teignmouth Bay, Devon.

Said Hannah: ‘I chose Teignmouth at it’s a very special place for me.

‘My grandparents lived in the town and I spent countless summers and school holidays there so it was the most obvious location for me to set the book.

‘There’s so much negative news and vibes in the world right now, being a mermaid and escaping to the life underwater soothes the soul and creates some blissfulness in these unsettling times. I wanted to bring some of that mermaid magic and joy to the world, which also included a message of conservation from the deep.’

Hannah teamed up with graphic artist Becki Rendell, a fellow ocean lover from Creativsquid, who brought Ruby and her friends to life in colourful vibrant graphics throughout the book.In the book Ruby is on a mission to help save our oceans and protect marine life.

The story invites young readers to journey with Ruby and her friends as they travel across the oceans on a quest to defeat the Garbage Patch King whose plastic pollution is big trouble for our blue planet.

The book is filled with facts about marine life, as well as a serious message about marine conservation from the deep.

Continued Hannah: ‘It’s been a long held dream of mine to write a children’s book about marine conservation.

‘I created Ruby as a way to bring the plight of our oceans to life and ensure future generations can help protect our marine life and ecosystems.’

The mermazing book, available from the website www.rubyrockpool.com, will also raise vital funds for two marine conservation charities in the UK, with £2 donated from every book split equally between the Marine Conservation Society and Sea Shepherd UK.

And why is the mermaid named Ruby?

‘As a tribute to my late gran Ruby Higgs,’ added Hannah.