THE memory of a Ledbury mum who died of cancer two years ago is to be immortalised by a new book on the joys and trials of childbearing.

Although Annette Jones saw two limited edition runs of the book she co-wrote, she died before publishers Penguin took an interest in The Fat Ladies Club. The publishers now hope to make it an international best seller.

Annette's parents, Rob and Ellen Evans, of The Homend, hope the book, officially launched on Thursday, will always remind their grandchildren, Emily, aged four, and Megan, aged three, of their remarkable mother.

Mr Evans said: "The book is of happier times and something that Emily and Megan will get a lot out of when they are older. It will add to their knowledge of their mother."

Mrs Evans said: "I read the draft through, and thought it very funny and quite emotional at times, because it is quite truthful. The book will sell, because it tells you everything."

The book, which will be available in at least seven countries, including South Africa and New Zealand, started life as a writing project between five friends, who met when they were all attending antenatal classes in Berkhamsted, five years ago.

The "Fat Ladies Club" included Andrea Bettridge, Hilary Gardener, Sarah Groves, Lyndsey Lawrence and Annette Jones.

When Mrs Jones fell ill in Ledbury, just after the birth of her second child, the group put out a limited edition run, so that she could see it in print. The first batch of 100 sold out, and so did a second of 5,000.

Mrs Jones married husband Gavin at Ledbury Market House in February 1994. Mr Jones, a computer programmer, came from Pendock and although the couple started married life in London, and then Berkhamsted, it was always their intention to live in Ledbury and raise their children in a country town.

Shortly after moving into The Southend, Mrs Jones was diagnosed with colon cancer and had an emergency operation in London.

But the cancer was aggressive and reached her liver. Mrs Jones died at St Michael's Hospice in April 2000. She was just 31.

Her father said: "It was a devastating time without a doubt. For us and for everyone."

The children now live in Pendock and go to school in Staunton. They will benefit from the royalties that would have been due to their mother. Copies of The Fat Ladies Club are available at Three Counties Bookshop and Ledbury Books and Maps.