A former mayor of Brighton and Hove has started writing a book about her colourful life.

Jenny Barnard-Langston will shortly search for a publisher for the autobiography, which has the provisional title Daughter Of Destiny.

Mrs Barnard-Langston was a councillor for 20 years before her defeat last month in the new Central Hove ward for Brighton and Hove City Council.

She started political life as a Tory member of East Sussex County Council for Goldsmid ward and soon chaired the education committee.

As an opposition member of the new Brighton and Hove City Council, she was chosen to be mayor, enjoying a busy and active year.

She contested the 2001 general election for the Conservatives but was beaten by Labour MP Ivor Caplin.

The book will cover the unexpected death of her husband Steve, who was also a councillor.

She then married Coun Mark Barnard and the couple made a dramatic political switch to the Liberal Democrats.

Mrs Barnard-Langston said: "I'm going to detail where I come from and how my dad was involved in politics.

"It is easy to think you can change the world but you learn to work with other people who may have different agendas.

"The book will give details of what goes on inside the political world.

"I enjoy writing and it is quite therapeutic. I'm hoping to get it published and will send it to a few publishers soon."