A STORYTELLER passionate about food, horticulture and farming is set to inspire audiences in Alloa this month.

Author Helen Cross will be at the Speirs Centre to discuss her debut book Grow Cook Inspire with people on Wednesday, March 20, being given the chance to meet the writer.

A farmer's daughter but a city dweller since the age of 17, Helen will be at the Alloa library to give practical advice on growing fruit and vegetables.

The event, funded by the Shelf life initiative introduced by the Scottish Library and Information Council, will hear how Helen is keen to encourage more communities to grow their own with a focus on the health and environmental benefits that come from gardening and cooking seasonally.

Indeed, Helen has a history of her own mental health matters and has sought huge solace from her own green space and champions the power of gardening on a daily basis.

Helen, who is not a trained chef, also hosts a podcast by the same name while teaching children to garden, grow and cook and while also being a communications consultant for a wide range of clients in the gardening, food, and farming sector.

The free event will go ahead from 1.30pm on the day with Helen also set to highlight the wider environmental impact of how food is produced.

Booking is necessary, call the library service on 01259 452262.