A Taunton author has written a fascinating new novel based on shocking discoveries in a search for her family history.

Diane Phillips discovered unexpected details about her own family while working at the Woking Borough Council.

Expertly making use of this information, she created Poverty's Pain, a novel revolving around the hardships of her maternal grandmother.

The author's mother, orphaned at a young age, believed her parents had perished in a car accident.

However, while working in Surrey's records office, Ms Phillips uncovered the startling truth about the circumstances surrounding her mother's upbringing.

Ms Phillips explained: "My grandmother died in 1977.

"Apparently, she had been told the children were sent to Canada, which was untrue.

"She lost hope of ever finding them."

Somerset County Gazette: Diane Phillips discovered unexpected details about her own family while working at the Woking

Poverty's Pain paints a poignant image of the early twentieth century, following the life of young woman Edna Pain struggling against the trials of poverty.

Not merely a documentation of historical poverty, the novel resonates with current struggles of societal marginalisation and war, making the novel as relevant today, almost a century later.

Commenting on her next projects, Ms Phillips said: "I have started writing the sequel, which tells the remarkable story of my mother's life.

"I also have researched my paternal grandmother and I also have an idea for a coach party holiday, following a disastrous holiday to Wales."

Diane Phillips, initially born in the East Midlands, dedicates her time working for a Christian charity in the West Country.

Having trained as a chartered surveyor, her journey to authorhood began through her employment at Woking Borough Council.

Her extensive investigations into her family history commenced while conducting her work duties.

Poverty's Pain, published by The Conrad Press and priced at £10.99, is now available in all good bookshops and on Amazon.