A PASSIONATE Port author has had her quirky 'tail' of her family's adopted life-saving unusual pets published in a new book.

Iris Potter's story 'Foxes' features in Scotland's Stories, published via the Scottish Book Trust.

It was inspired by the animals that have become regular visitors to the Potter home over the years.

Iris says the friendly foxes once 'saved' her family - including sister Janice - from a potentially deadly Bonfire Night blast.

They alerted the household after being disturbed by a lit firework which had been planted right beside their gas connection.

Budding writer Iris, who is in the process of writing her own book, says her family have a lifelong connection to the animals that can be traced all the way back to her late dad Stewart.

She told the Tele that taking part in the writing competition was a way for her to pay tribute to her father, who sadly died last year, and was delighted when her story was picked to be included.

Iris, whose passion for storytelling began when she joined a creative writing class, told the Tele: "I've always wanted to write a book, so this was a great way to get into doing just that.

"I have so many stories about the foxes from growing up, so this was a nice way to remember everything and honour my dad.

"He started it all and is the reason I have so many stories about the foxes to tell - for as long as I can remember, we've had them around the place.

"It's been great to share those memories with everyone else."

Iris's story was read aloud during a special event to mark Scottish Book Week in the Glasgow Film Theatre and it also was turned into an animation.

One part of the story was about sister Janice and her own encounter with their furry friends.

She said: "Two foxes were having a bit of a barney in the early hours of the morning, so I crossed over the road into the bushes wearing my nightdress to intervene.

"The police were driving by at the time and as we stay across the road from a care home, the officers thought I'd actually escaped from the home!

"It is funny now looking back at it, and no doubt my dad would have had a good laugh at it being out there now."

To read Foxes, visit bit.ly/3YCgosY