IT has been a labour of love, but a Dorset woman is hoping that her new book will raise at least £20,000 towards a new hospice for teenagers and young adults with life-limiting illnesses.

It Happened at Christmas is a collection of stories and poems with a festive theme, gathered by June Davey over the last five years.

Contributors include actor and writer Julian Fellowes, author Leslie Thomas, singer Sir Cliff Richard and former England cricketer David Gower.

The book was launched by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Valerie Pitt-Rivers, at the Manor House in Hinton St Mary, near Sturminster Newton.

June, of Tarrant Monkton, near Blandford, was for many years the North Dorset chairman of the Wessex Children's Hospice Trust, which runs Naomi House near Winchester, and is still a vice-patron.

The hospice offers respite and end-of-life care for children from Dorset, Hampshire and the rest of central southern England and is now raising funds for Jack's Place, which will be only the third hospice in the country for teenagers and young adults.

"I thought: People must have some nice Christmas memories, what about trying to record them and selling the book?'," recalled June.

"I went to the local community, to writing groups, art groups and bishops.

"I wrote to all the MPs in the area of the hospice, and went to the archives of Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty to get material.

"It took years, and there were several setbacks, but it was all very interesting."

June started working on the project with Alan Mercer, and, after his untimely death, his widow Nita stepped in to help put the book together.

The colourful paperback is illustrated with drawings, paintings - including previously unseen work by Norman Rockwell - Giles cartoons and vintage Christmas recipes and advertisements.

Mrs Pitt-Rivers said: "It's an ideal Christmas present. It's a lovely mix of stories and pictures, from children's drawings to wartime memories. I am sure it is going to be a great success."

The £12 million appeal to build, equip and run Jack's Place got off to a flying start last year when 79-year-old Southampton surveyor Jack Witham left £6 million in his will to the Wessex Children's Hospice Trust. Another £2 million has already been raised.

l It Happened at Christmas is £5.99 plus postage and packing. It can be ordered by ringing 01258 830377 or 01258 830406. It will also be available from hospice shops and local fairs.