A GRIZZLY tale from Tynedale’s past is being revived in a newly- published novel.

More than a century has passed since a wolf escaped from a County Durham zoo and headed for Tynedale.

The fearsome beast made its way to the Allen Valleys, where it mauled sheep and tormented farmers and huntsmen who tried in vain to shoot it dead.

Now writer Hannah Spencer, from Warwickshire, has taken inspiration from the lupine marauder, which also caused havoc in other parts of the district, including Hexhamshire and the North Tyne.

Her new e-book, The Wolf of Allendale is a supernatural tale about two men living centuries apart whose lives are connected by the wolf.

It chronicles the battles of an industrial age shepherd and a village leader from two thousand years previously against the raging wolf.

Inspired by the original story, Hannah’s work of fiction is set in Allendale and references local places and landmarks.

She said: “I spent a few years living in Newcastle and during that time, I explored Northumberland and its countryside.

“I love history, folklore and the paranormal, and I was fascinated enough by the original story of the wolf to write the novel.

“It is set in Allendale but all of the character names are fictitious. I hope it will appeal to people with connections to the area.

“Northumberland has some powerful and dramatic scenery which provides a perfect backdrop for the story.”

The Wolf of Allendale is the latest novel by Hannah, who previously published The Story of Light in 2014 and has also penned numerous short stories.

The original wolf evaded the efforts of farmers and hunting parties who armed themselves with guns to protect the district’s sheep.

It led to the formation of a Hexham wolf committee.

The animal’s body was eventually discovered in Cumbria, amid reports it had been struck by a train.

The wolf killed dozens of farm animals but is not believed to have threatened human life.

For more information about Hannah and her new book, visit http://hannahspencer.webs.com/