A Great Western Railway safety audit manager has written a book featuring her two pet shih tzu dogs that help people nervous about travelling by train.

One of the dogs, Rupee, accompanied the book’s author Carys Thomas when she launched the book at Yatton station in Somerset.

The stars of the book, Rupee aged four and companion Sushi aged eight, are both shih tzu cross rescue dogs owned by Carys.

The book centres on Rupee and Sushi, allowing readers to choose alternative scenarios and their journey as they plan their first trip.

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The book guides readers on what is needed to make plans for the trip in advance, how to purchase tickets, and what they need to do to board and leave the train before they/sh enjoy a day at the beach.

Brilliantly illustrated by Donna Nicholson, the book is supported by Severnside Community Rail Partnership and Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership, and funded by train operators Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, and Avanti West Coast, and passenger assistance technology specialist Transreport.

It’s not only reading books that help travellers, as Greater Anglia has produced a colouring book.

Another dog, Ruffle, features in a series of books about its experiences during steam train-based adventures on the Great Central Railway.

Earlier this month, East Midland Railway released a children’s activity book that promotes the importance of staying safe on and around the railway.