Illustrator and chorister James Mason-Carney coming to Otter Gardens for festive singing and book signing

A young singer and author who hit the headlines last year will be at Ottery Garden Centre in Ottery St. Mary on November 27.

James Mason-Carney, who is 13 and lives in Sidmouth, illustrated a children's book which was published to great acclaim.

He will be signing books and entertaining customers with renditions of popular Christmas songs.

Written by his mum, Julie Claire-Carney, Tiggs and The Midnight Choir is based on James's experiences as a chorister at Exeter Cathedral School.

James started illustrating when he was in recovery from several serious illnesses. His mother wanted him to have a project to keep his mind occupied, and so she wrote a book for him to illustrate.

James went on to draw around 140 pictures, which are all included in the book.

Tiggs and the Midnight Choir revolves around a mythical creature, a young boy, the Midnight Choir and a sinister plot to threaten the Cathedral's concerts.

It is aimed at children aged between eight and twelve.

The book contains plenty of references to real places and events, such as the graffiti on the effigy of Bishop Stafford and the bombing of Exeter Cathedral in World War II.

James completed the final illustrations for the book after he lost his hair to alopecia. He coped with the condition with the support of his family, school and choir friends.

The book has been well received. Dean Jonathan Greener commented in the Cathedral newsletter: "It's a ripping good yarn, written by a cathedral insider, and beautifully illustrated."

Otter Garden Centre's Managing Director, Jacqui Taylor said: "We're delighted to be welcoming Julie and James to the garden centre for the book signing."

She continued: "It's going to be a real treat to hear James singing – he has such a beautiful voice. I hope they sell lots of books: it's a great story set so close by in Exeter."

Some of the songs James will be singing will be included in a CD that he is currently recording.

James and his mum will be at Otter Garden Centre on Saturday November 27 from 12pm to 4.30pm.