'The Geordie Santa' is brought to life by Northumberland artist

Róisín Lyst, from Thrunton, near Alnwick, has collaborated with magician Chris Cross on ‘The Geordie Santa’.

The book tells the story of Jacka the Geordie, who meets Santa Claus and his reindeer, who take him on a life-changing adventure he’ll never forget.

The 19-year-old former Duchess’s High School pupil has run a pet portrait business since she was 13 and has exhibited her work in the area and in the Scottish Borders.

She has clients around the world but ‘The Geordie Santa’ is her illustration debut.

Róisín said: “Christmas is a busy time for my pet portrait business, but I’ve really loved bringing Jacka to life.

"I’ve been practising drawing reindeer since I was about five, so this is my dream job really!”

The Geordie Santa is Chris’s second book, following his popular ‘Geordie Book of Magic’, published in 2017.

The professional showman, from Newcastle, said: “I’ve never written a story before and I’m excited to get my book out there into the world.

"I haven’t had very many live performances lately, for obvious reasons - however, this has been a lockdown project I’m really proud of.

"I used to love stories being read to me when I was a kid by my grandparents. I can’t wait to read this book to my own children... when I become a parent, that is!

"It really ticks all the boxes for a magical Christmas story and it’s been written so the parents will be amused by the story too, I hope!”

The book is available to pre-order from www.chris-cross.co.uk price £6.99.

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