A MOTHER and former mechanical engineer has written a book aimed at making technology fun for young children.

Caroline Alliston, from Wotton-under-Edge, has written 'Technology for Fun: 30 design and make projects', a book jam-packed with creative projects children can make out of ordinary objects found around the home.

She got her inspiration from the technology club she runs with two other mums at Blue Coat Primary School, in Wotton, and was spurred to write it after searching high and low for a book to give as a present to a boy keen on technology and making things.

"I went to a bookshop and they said, we don’t have anything like what you are looking for, you’ll have to write it yourself," said Caroline, 47.

"Then I went to the library and they said exactly the same thing, I thought ‘Someone is giving me a message here’."

Caroline was given a further reason to write the book after she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Stuck at home whilst undergoing chemotherapy she spent her days writing the book, completing it in about six months.

It includes projects designed by herself, some from the technology club and others researched online. From pop rockets and sailing boats, to balloon powered hovercraft and marble mazes, the book is bursting with child-friendly activities. And it has certainly gone down a storm with the children at Blue Coat.

Matthew Thomson, 10, said: "It is a very good, very well done book, I like the pump rockets and hovercraft."

Tarragon Newcombe, 10, said she loved the technology club and would use the book to carry on making things at home.

Hetty Porter, 10, said: "I think the book it good. It has got things you can do at home."

Caroline hopes the book and the club will help inspire the engineers and designers of the future.

"It is really nice for the children to enjoy technology at this age and if they do want to then they can pursue it further. I certainly can see already we have some engineers of the future here."

The book is available at the Cotswold Book Room in Wotton, priced £5, or you can order from Caroline online by visiting www.technologyforfun.co.uk