AUTHOR Diana Jackson signed copies of her debut novel Riduna at Alderney Bookshop on Sunday.

It is a romanticised account of the life story of her great-grandmother, Harriet Loveridge, who lived in Alderney during the 19th century.

Teacher Diana (pictured), from Bedfordshire, explained why she decided to write the novel.

‘My early memories of Alderney are of relaxed family holidays in the sunshine. I remember walking along the railway track, thinking it was no longer in use, singing rhymes and songs as I made my way to my favourite coves of Saye and Corblets Bay,’ she said.

‘It wasn’t until much later, on a very different family holiday as an adult, that my dad started speaking of his grandmother, Harriet. Suddenly the Victorian fortresses came to life in my mind’s eye and I started to imagine what her life might have been like as she grew up. I stood on the Butes on our last day in Alderney, a tradition before leaving the island, and as I looked out over the beautiful sweep of Braye Bay towards Fort Albert, I could almost see troupes of militia walking red and ant-like along the bay towards the fort.

‘It was standing there that I made a promise to find out more about Alderney in the 19th century and to attempt to write a novel.’

Diana began researching Alderney’s history in 1999 but did not complete Riduna until husband Roger and fellow writer Lorna Joy encouraged her to finish it three years ago.

The book, which was officially released in May, has been published by Pegasus. A print run of 10,000 means Diana has been kept busy with several book signings at various locations in the south of England. Diana says a sequel is already being planned.

For more information about the novel and details of how to buy a copy visit www.dianamaryjackson.co.uk.

The island has again been featured in a national magazine.

After prestigious travel magazine Lonely Planet listed Alderney as the second best-kept travel secret in the world, Choice magazine, which is aimed at the over-50s and has a readership of 268,000, has included a nine-page feature on the island.

Written by editor Norman Wright, the article includes information about John Arlott and Ian Botham, the island’s railway, lighthouse and Second World War experience.

‘Despite its closeness to mainland France, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Wight, Alderney has managed to avoid mainstream tourism. So its boast of peace and tranquility is preserved,’ he wrote.

States marketing manager Joanna Parmentier said: ‘The article depicts Alderney perfectly. It is very informative, well written and has managed to cover almost every aspect of the island.

‘As a response to the email that I sent out to people advising of the article, one person responded by saying, “Really nice write-up – it makes me feel privileged to live here” – and I think that just about sums it up.

‘The two journalists visited Alderney in June last year on a press trip. They had fantastic weather and really enjoyed their weekend.’

Visit www.choicemag.co.uk for further details on the magazine and information on how to buy the issue that features Alderney.