Primary schools across the Canterbury district have received free copies of a new book on water thanks to generous sponsorship from the Whitefriars shopping centre.

Water World has been produced by Martyn Barr as part of the shopping centre’s contribution towards Canterbury in Bloom 2015. The 56-page softback book is beautifully presented with over 60 stunning photographs, articles, infographics and facts highlighting all the many facets of water, including weather, erosion, rivers, oceans, plants, transport, treatment, pollution and the human body. The challenge of providing adequate supplies of clean water in developing countries, as well as the importance of using water wisely in the home and garden, are also covered.

Targeted primarily at 9-11 year olds, though likely to appeal to a broad readership, Water World is Martyn’s seventh young person’s guide. He describes his new guide as “a coffee table book for children”, adding: “We all take water for granted but it is very precious. After all, it makes up around two-thirds of you and me! But the impact of climate change, growing populations and increasing demand put huge pressure on our plant’s resources. I hope that, after reading this book, children will understand a lot more about this amazing substance and how important it is for us to use water wisely, to ensure there is enough to go around both now and in the future.”

Copies of Water World are available online from www.waterworldbook.co.uk, priced £4.99 including delivery.

Schools and libraries across Mid Sussex have received free copies of Martyn Barr's Garden Science and To Be A Bee books ahead of a community fun day.

More than 100 books have been given away as part of the annual 'Strictly Gardening' event in Haywards Heath, which will be opened by gardening expert and TV personality Charlie Dimmock. The book giveaway was made possible by a generous donation from the local council.

The event is being organised by the Haywards Heath town team and West Sussex County Council. A spokeswoman for the town team said: "We are delighted Martyn will be with us on the day to sign copies of his books and to give us an insight into bees, the hardest working creatures on the planet."

Strictly Gardening is an official part of the Chelsea Fringe Festival.

(Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150316-222433001)