AN ENTHUSIAST in the Bhutanese culture has launched a new book after joining the King of Bhutan in the royal coronation celebrations.

Former teacher Freda Ferne, 61, of Avoncliff, near Bradford on Avon, has published ‘Bhutan Land of the Thunder Dragon’ for children and armchair travellers.

Describing how it all started, Miss Ferne said: “I went into Christchurch Primary School to help them with their project on Bhutan.

“They asked if there were any books for children and I couldn’t find any.

“I pulled together all of my photos and notes and I turned it into a book and people seemed to enjoy it so much I decided to publish it.”

It features maps and information on the geography of Bhutan, farming, education, Buddhism, traditional clothing and Thimphu, the capital city.

Miss Ferne has been enthusiastic about the country since her first visit in 1994.

This year she was invited by the secretary of the Bhutan Society, where she is a member, to join in with the coronation celebrations in October and meet the new king, His Royal Highness King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.

She said: “I offered the king my congratulations and said what a privilege it was to be there at that particular time.

“I then asked if I could join in with the Tashi Leybey.” (A farewell dance symbolising the circular theme of nature).

Miss Ferne’s book is the second of two books to be published in four months by authors from the tiny village, which is populated by just 75 people.

Dr Trevor Turpin, 62, who is an environmental consultant, has written a book on the environmental aspect and history of dams across the world, which was published in June.

He decided to write it after attending a meeting on the World Commission of Dams Report in 2000, where Nelson Mandella gave the introductory speech.

The book, called Dam, looks at structures in India, China, Russia, Europe and America.

It has been published by Reaktion (CORR) Books and has taken three years to complete.

Dam is available online and in selected bookshops for £15.

Bhutan Land of the Thunder Dragon is available online and in selected bookshops for £8.99. For more details go online to www.bhutan-for-children.co.uk.

Miss Ferne is also available to give illustrative talks and can be contacted by emailing bhutan@avoncliff.co.uk.