AS Janet Pigott prepares to celebrate her golden wedding, she has decided to give her husband Peter a novel gift – literally.

The former York resident has written her first novel and intends to present Peter with a golden wedding edition, encased in a gold-covered outer.

Janet, 72, said the book, It Takes A Woman, was about a woman called Audrey Driver who fell into a career similar to her own, but with a fictitious storyline and characters.

She said the book was published by York Publishing Services, based in Layerthorpe, which designed a front cover for the general public depicting themes of “jealousy, love and prickly relationships”.

“I just wanted to do something a bit different,” said Janet, now of Sutton Coldfield, but who went to Scarcroft and Knavesmire Schools, got married in York and lived in the city for many years.

“As I enjoy writing and go to a creative writing group, I started writing a novel and decided to make it a gift for our golden wedding next year. I think he was surprised and pleased.”

Peter, who has already read a copy of the book, which has gone on sale to the public, said: “I was surprised, not only to be given this but also by how good a read it is.” Janet said she had had short stories and poems published but this was her first attempt at a novel.

York oral historian Mike Race said the book was well thought out. “It took us on a journey and unfolded well,” he said.

“In other words, there was a beginning, a middle and an end, and the characters were clearly defined and believable. My enjoyment and interest were held throughout the book.”