A CHILDRENs' book recounting the amusing adventures of a family owned otter has been republished after 30 years.

Bee, A Particular Otter first appeared on shop shelves back in 1982 and was written by actress Daphne Neville, who has become well known in the Five Valleys for hand-rearing the cute creatures at her home in Frampton Mansell.

he beautifully illustrated book contains a collection of true stories, which are as funny as they are educational about Daphne's first otter Bee, who lived an eventful life, meeting Royals, visiting castles, playing with sea lions and on occasion having the odd brush with the law.

It was a friend who first persuaded Daphne to adopt Bee in 1980 at a time when the animals were being pushed to the brink of extinction in the UK.

Since taking the sweet and mischievous otter into her care, she has fallen in love with the river mammals, raising awareness about their declining numbers and throwing her full support behind conservation efforts.

Over the years, she has kept a total of 10 otters in a specially constructed pen at her home Ð a converted sixteenth century mill, which sits beside a small lake, ideal for restless otters keen to take a dip.

In her attempts to increase public understanding about the animals, and the unpolluted habitats needed for them to thrive, Daphne has travelled the length and breadth of the country with her pets to show them off to adoring crowds at various fairs and fetes.

This year marks her 21st year of touring the country and she currently visits schools and festivals with Belinda and Rudi, her two Asian small-clawed companions.

The newly re-released book is all about Bee though, an otter which occupies a special place in Daphne's heart.

"Bee was a wonderful little otter and she paved the way for all the others really," said Daphne, a 75-year-old mother of four who has appeared in television drama series such as Casualty and Diagnosis: Murder.

"I had sort of forgotten about the book until I was told recently by a friend that it was selling for £25 on eBay.

"I thought that's no good, I didn't want it to be a collector's item, I want it to be read by children so they can learn more about the otters and that's why I decided to get it re-published.

She added: "It is full of funny stories about Bee and knits in lots of educational information about the otters for curious young readers. Children will really enjoy it whilst also learning more about the animals."

To purchase a copy of the book, which is published by Windmill Print & Graphics in Stroud, contact Daphne on 01285 760234.