A WOMAN who formerly trained civil servants started a new chapter in her life as a writer after taking up a new hobby.

A WOMAN who formerly trained civil servants started a new chapter in her life as a writer after taking up a new hobby.

Judith Wibberley, 55, started making cards that became so popular she was asked to write words to go in them.

Now her third book of verses has just been published by Newton Abbot-based David and Charles.

"I started selling my cards on a market stall and then from a shop that became a craft centre," said Judith, of Monkton, near Honiton.

"I was asked to write verses and eventually wrote a booklet that was given away with a popular craft magazine.

"David and Charles published my first book, Just the Right Words, in 2007.

"I dedicated it to my dad, because I thought it would be the only book I would write."

However, the book sold 50,000 copies worldwide and Judith was asked to pen a second book, Words for Every Occasion, including verses injected with humour.

"I was then asked to write a Christmas-themed book," she said.

"It has just come out and is dedicated to Gertrude Wibberley, who bought me a book by a famous Mills and Boon writer, who is one of my relatives.

"The book, To Writers With Love, by Mary Wibberley, inspired me to start writing."

Judith is the secretary of the recently formed Otter Valley Writers.

She has a passion for Seaton, having holidayed in the resort for years, and moved to Monkton to be closer to the town.

Eventually, she aims to move to Seaton.