A children's author and illustrator has published a book to thank key workers for their services during the pandemic, and has included dozens of tributes drawn by youngsters.

The Rhymers help us say Thank you by Andrew Buller, from Staplehurst, demonstrates one community's appreciation for those who have risked their lives to help others in recent months.

Mr Buller, who now lives near Canterbury with his wife Hannah, but is staying with his parents in Staplehurst to help them out during lockdown, thought the book would be made extra special by including local children's drawings too.

So the 44-year-old asked young people to leave their creations in a box outside the family's home, and many of the images can now be seen hanging on the walls or displayed on the roadside in the cartoon scenes of the book.

The story, among more than 60 other works Mr Buller has produced during his career, introduces readers to several characters showing their appreciation for nurses, doctors, postal workers and more.

To further show his support for key workers, Mr Buller is donating at least 50p from the sale of each book to NHS Charities Together and has set up a JustGiving page for people to sponsor the venture.

On top of this, the writer has also produced a thank you gallery on the side of the main road which runs through Staplehurst.

Homeleigh Timber Supplies kindly donated wooden panels and stakes which Mr Buller fixed into the ground with the help of his father, Malcolm Buller.

It stands on the A229, near the crossroad with Headcorn Road and Marden Road.

Pictures are laminated by Mr Buller and then fixed to the board, for all to enjoy.

Speaking about both projects, Mr Buller said: "I thought the book would just be a really lovely thing for people to keep and the thank you gallery has also been great as it's on the main road through the village, so lots of people see it when they drive past.

"The project has been an amazing thing for my whole family to get involved in and our creativity has really come to the forefront during lockdown."

He added: "We've had some sweet moments where children have really shyly come up to the house to deliver their pictures."

The Rhymers help us say Thank You is available to buy from Amazon for £5.99 and in Made By Kent in Staplehurst High Street for £5.

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