A psychology student had been inspired to better understand mental health issues as a child thanks to her father writing adventure books with social themes.

Henna Mears, who grew up in Midsomer Norton, was delighted when Dad and Author, BJ Mears, started writing The Haunting of Tyler May series when she was just ten-years-old.

The stories centre around strong female characters, including the namesake, who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

The former St John’s Primary School pupil, now nineteen, said: “I liked the fact that Tyler May had OCD tendencies, but it was simply one of her traits and didn’t define her.

“I had previously thought that mental health conditions would take over the whole personality and life of a person, but came to recognise people could still form relationships and live fulfilling lives.

“I gained many valuable insights and lessons from my Dad’s books.”

Henna was then inspired to study psychology and learn ways to help treat people.

The University of Reading student said: “The books made me more deeply aware of mental health conditions at an age where I hadn’t been exposed to them before –and I think this sparked my interest in the topic.

“It’s interesting to find out why we’re the way we are and lots of the learning involves unpacking stigma around mental health and its treatments.”

Henna has been involved in the writing process, including talking about what would happen next, and it strengthened her relationship with her father.

She said: “It was a fun adventure and it made me feel special as it was written for me.”