A WOMAN has had her second book of poetry published - at the age of 81.
After the death of her husband in 1997, Mrs Lucy Stead used her writing talent to raise money for the church where they were married, Holy Trinity Church, Hepworth.
The initial poetry collection raised more than £200.
Mrs Stead now hopes to repeat its success in aid of another church close to her heart, St Stephen's Church, Rashcliffe.
Growing up in Hill Street, Jackson Bridge, Mrs Stead discovered a love of writing from a young age.
Daughter Chrissy Green said: "She started off writing plays and short stories and one of her plays even featured a young Roy Castle."
The latest collection of writing includes poems written recently, but also some dating from 1942.
Mrs Stead said was determined not to let the years simply pass her by. She has taught herself how to type, become computer literate and enrolled on a correspondence course in writing.
Her daughter believes writing helps her mum stay youthful.
"Considering her age she is still very alert. She's less agile than she once was but mentally she's very quick."
Chrissy believes her mother still has ambitions to fulfil.
"I'm not sure whether mum will write any more poetry after this collection. I think she's set her sights on writing short stories next," she said.
Mrs Stead shared her 81st birthday with great grand-daughter Lauren who turned 3. She also has a son, Keith, who lives in Japan, two grandchildren and a great grandson.
