FOUR top writers from the North East have joined bestselling authors from across the country to release a charity anthology on World Kindness Day (November 13).

LJ Ross, Judith O'Reilly, Robert Scragg and Nicky Black have traded in their darker genres of thriller, crime fiction and mystery to write about everyday acts of kindness, in aid of charity Shelter this Christmas. They are among 55 authors whose short stories will feature in 'Everyday Kindness: A collection of uplifting tales to brighten your day'.

The anthology is edited by author of the popular DCI Ryan Series LJ Ross, who was brought up near Ponteland.

Designed to showcase community spirit and goodwill, it is inspired by kindness and compassion shown by many during the Covid-19 pandemic.

LJ Ross's story 'The Liar' is about a young boy who encourages a woman to come clean about the lies she's been telling, to make her life better.

She said: "The Covid-19 crisis has had a devastating impact on so many communities and individuals around the world, none more so than those who were already amongst the most vulnerable in our society.

"We felt there was no better time to support Shelter's vital work and we hope our anthology will inspire readers to feel uplifted by the myriad ways that compassion can appear in everyday life."

'Everyday Kindness: A collection of uplifting tales to brighten your day' is out on November 13, published in hardback (£12.99) and ebook (£2.99) by Dark Skies Publishing. All sales proceeds will be donated to Shelter.