A FERAL cat that came to stay has found himself the subject of a new book by a first time Thurrock author.

Bulphan resident Joanne Goddard was inspired to write her first book after writing a short piece for a '100 Stories' project organised by the Land of Fanns Partnership scheme, a Heritage Lottery Funded project that engages with the local communities of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Thurrock, Brentwood and south-west Essex to highlight the natural, geological, archaeological and built heritage of their areas.

She enjoyed it so much that she wanted to write some more stories.

"Then I had to think about what they could be about and my cat Tom Jones came to mind. The book grew organically as I wrote more stories, because Tom is such an interesting character to watch. Eventually I had enough material to go ahead and publish," said Jo, who is known throughout the area for another of her skills – she plays the bagpipes!

"Tom came into our lives about 12 years ago. He just tapped on the doors from the garden, stepped in and he's stayed since!

"He is such a character I thought it would be interesting to write from his perspective on life, detailing all the things he gets up to."

And so 'Letters from Tom' was born.

As well as Tom's thoughts, penned by Jo, the book has a host of photographs capturing his character.

The plan was for Jo, who has self-published the book with the help of Gill Robinson from Nexus Creative Print Productions.

, to sell it at fetes and local events, but those plans have been delayed, if not scuppered by Covid-19. Jo has had to shield at home - and even details some of last summer's memories when she and Tom enjoyed the long, hot days at home.

The book sells for £10 plus post and packaging or local free delivery can be arranged. You can get details via Tom's Facebook page or by emailing him at [email protected].

And if you get it and enjoy it, you will be pleased to know a second volume is currently being penned!