FORMER Greenock GP turned author Anne Pettigrew talked about the positive impact books can have on improving patients' health at a special book event in Central Library.

Her debut title Not the Life Imagined, and its follow up, were both inspired by a career in medicine which spanned 30 years in the Ardgowan Practice.

Now she helps champion local writers and promotes the benefits of reading.

Anne said: "When I was a doctor I often recommended people pick up a good book to help them recover from illness.

"There is lots of good evidence to suggest it works for both your physical and mental health.

"Reading helps lower blood pressure, it delays ageing and it is proven to have an impact on Alzheimer's.

"It reduces stress, slows the heart, improves your sleep - the list is endless."

The doctor turned author is practising what she preaches as she takes an active role in promoting local writers and their books.

As president of the Greenock Writers' Club she encourages people of all ages and abilities to come along and share their stories.

The author has been tipped as ‘one to watch in crime writing'.

Anne uses her writing to raise money for Plan UK, a charity which helps girls across the globe get access to education.