An author is soon to release her debut novel which is inspired by the history of Leavesden Asylum.

Cheryl Alleyne, also known as C S Alleyne, has lived in Abbots Langley for 25 years and will release her new book Belle Vue on August 25.

Ms Alleyne says she was inspired to write her first book after seeing the former asylum on her walks to the gym.

The current 57 acres of Leavesden County Park is the former site of the asylum and it was situated almost half way between North Watford and Abbots Langley on College Road.

Ms Alleyne said after researching into the asylum and its patients she wanted to write a book. Belle Vue follows the story of a student named Alex whose girlfriend Claire buys an apartment in Belle Vue Manor which was a former Victorian asylum. The story looks into the asylum's past by switching between two timelines.

She said: "Although I was always jotting down ideas for stories, I never got round to completing anything but then that unexpectedly changed.

"My research and my connection to the location captured my attention in a way nothing had done before. So from having years of half-finished stories and yellowing notes, I wrote every spare minute I could get and didn't stop until it was complete."

She said the part she enjoyed most when writing her book was creating the characters.

She added: "For me that is a fascinating process as you choose every aspect of their lives and appearance and with but a few words change their fate.

"When I finished writing my book it was actually twice as long so I've had a lot of editing."

When asked about what advice she has for aspiring writers Ms Alleyne said perseverance is key.

She added: "If you enjoy it then do it whether it gets published or not. It is a very interesting job but it can be lonely so I would say get involved in writing circles or meet other writers online."

Belle Vue is planned to be the first book of a trilogy series and Ms Alleyne said she is currently in the process of writing the sequel.