A BOOK launch will take place in Whitehaven to celebrate the final novel in an 18th-century family saga.

Lorna Hunting will unveil The Shackletons of Queen Street, the fourth and final book in her series about the Shackleton shipping family, on Tuesday, June 23, at noon.

The event will be held at Whitehaven Town Council’s new exhibition space, formerly the Whitehaven News office, and is supported by Michael Moons Bookshop.

Ms Hunting said: "I think it most fitting that the fourth and final Shackleton book should have its own very special Whitehaven launch, and I'm thrilled to have this opportunity.

"Not just because the books are set in the town with recognisable buildings and streets, but also because it allows me to meet and thank my Whitehaven and Cumbrian readers.

"I'll be speaking a little about myself and my books, and why I chose to write about Whitehaven, and I'll be happy to answer questions and sign books."

The Shackleton saga follows the lives of a shipping family in 18th-century Whitehaven.

The previous titles include The Shackletons of Whitehaven, The Shackletons of Coates Lane, and The Shackletons of Chapel Street.

Copies of the new book will be available to purchase at the event through Michael Moon's Bookshop.

Ms Hunting will also be signing books and speaking about her writing and her connection to Whitehaven.

Deputy lieutenant Gerard Richardson said: "I'm delighted that we've secured this book signing in Whitehaven.

"I'm one of those avid readers and have a vast collection of books myself, including both factual and fiction, so I'm also delighted on a personal basis.

"Reading is something we should be encouraging more of in society, and the publicity around a launch like this is a fabulous opportunity to entice more people back into books."

More details about Lorna Hunting and her work can be found online.