WITH a host of books and films celebrating God’s Own Country, it was only a matter of time before we welcomed... the colouring book!

Yorkshire artist and designer Sarah Watkins is well-known for her range of prints and greetings cards featuring scenes from the county’s breath-taking landscapes and iconic towns and villages. Spotted by a local publisher, Sarah, who was born and brought up in Ilkley and is a former pupil of Ashlands Primary School and Ilkley Grammar School, has now launched A Colouring Guide to Yorkshire, a colouring book and illustrated personal guide to her home region.

“Yorkshire inspires me as an artist, but it’s also full of places that are well-known and well-loved by so many people,” said Sarah.

“Having them right on my doorstep means that I can’t resist wanting to share my interpretation of them.”

The book also details some lesser known places in Yorkshire; the Twelve Apostles, and White Wells are a favourite of Sarah’s, having been brought up in Ilkley.

But why a colouring book?

“People can use their imaginations to create their own piece of artwork,” explained Sarah.

“And we know now that it’s a very calming and relaxing pastime, that helps reduce stress, coupled with the beautiful hills, dales and historic buildings in the book, it makes for a great aid to relaxation.”

The book is published by Jeremy Mills Publishing, and was released last week on March 30.

It can be ordered on the publishers site - jeremymillspublishing.co.uk - and it can also be bought at many Yorkshire book shops.