THE author and illustrator of the hugely popular series of Katie Morag children's books has unveiled the latest collection of books about the feisty little red-head.

Dr Mairi C Hedderwick unveiled the new collection of children's stories at the launch of the new £1 million Mary Lily Walker Nursery at the High School of Dundee yesterday.

There have been no books about the girl from the isle of Struay for seven years.

She chatted to youngsters and read excepts at the launch.

Her latest book, The Katie Morag Treasury is the 15th in the Katie Morag series. The series also made the leap to television on the CBeebies channel. In addition to her most popular adventures, the new book has six folk tales featured in the TV series which Dr Hedderwick illustrated for the programme.

Dr Hedderwick said she was delighted to launch both the new nursery and her latest work, with the first copies going on sale at the event. The author and illustrator said: "To be launching my latest children's book in an environment like this is a great compliment to Katie Morag and myself."

Katie Morag Delivers the Mail was the first book to be released back in 1984.

On TV, Katie Morag is portrayed by young actress Cherry Campbell and filming of a second series which is being filmed again on Lewis, which is depicted as Struay, where the fictional character lives with her family.