TWO sisters from Winsford were thrilled to meet former Emmerdale pin-up- turned children’s author at a book signing event at Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington.

Lauren, 13, and Faye Robinson, 4, gave their best beaming smiles when they had their photograph taken with Sammy Winward, who played Katie Sugden in Emmerdale, at Waterstones book store.

Sammy left the hit soap in grizzly fashion after her character was killed off in February.

Since leaving Emmerdale, Sammy, 29, has been busy writing Princess Phoebe Meets the Tudors, which tells the tale of a time-travelling princess who meets famous characters from history.

She said she was inspired to put pen to paper after the birth of her daughter, Mia, now 10.

“I used to tell Mia stories when she was little and they’d all be about characters from the past,” she said.

“I’ve always been a history buff and loved learning about how different life was centuries ago.

“I used to look for history books for Mia and eventually I started toying with the idea of writing one myself to encourage youngsters to become more interested in the subject.

“I wanted to make it informing, but also fun, which is how I came up with the character of Princess Phoebe.

“In the book Phoebe is a real princess, but she’s also a bit of a tomboy and adventurous. That’s the part which I think intrigues children like Lauren and Faye.”

Lauren, who attends Winsford Academy, plans to help read some of Princess Phoebe’s adventures with her younger sister.

She said: “Sammy was great and the book looks really good.”

Mum, Melissa Carter, said: “We love going to Golden Square, there’s always something happening.

“It’s a great place to shop and for the girls to get the chance to meet one of their TV favourites as well is a real bonus.”

Sammy added: “It’s great to meet children like Lauren and Faye and some of the fans who used to watch me in Emmerdale.”