A TALENTED young writer bidding to become the world-record holder as the youngster published author has now sold more than 1,000 copies of her book.

As reported, five-year-old Bella-Jay Dark from Weymouth was hoping to be crowned the world’s youngest ever author after publishing her inaugural book ‘The Lost Cat,' but needed to sell at least 1,000 copies to fulfill Guinness’ criteria.

Now just weeks after putting her book on Amazon the young writer has sold more than 1,000 copies and already has her next book ready.

Her mum, Chelsie Syme said: “We found out last Friday or Saturday that she had sold 1,000 copies and it was just overwhelming.

“Bella-Jay was really proud of herself, she had a big smile on her face.

“It’s just not something that happens a lot and is just very surreal.”

Dorset Echo: The Lost Cat book written by Bella-Jay Dark Picture: Chelsie SymeThe Lost Cat book written by Bella-Jay Dark Picture: Chelsie Syme

It started out after Bella-Jay told her mum she was going to write a book and initially Ms Symes thought it was ‘one of those things’ children do and something she would say ‘wow’ at.

Following a trip to a book fair publishers Ginger Fyre Press decided they would like to produce it, with the book being a roaring success since.

Ms Syme continued: “We have been reading through the reviews together and they seem to be all good.

“She has now got her second one ready for publishing which is all about Snowy the cat again.

“She has just got put the drawings together herself, with the publisher all ready to go.”

The talented youngster’s mum said Bella can very opinionated with how the book turns out and is not afraid to send it back if she does not agree with the publishers.

Her first title ‘The Lost Cat,' features a feline who goes on adventures but soon learns an important lesson when he gets lost - that he shouldn’t go out without his mum.

Ms Syme says they originally contacted Guinness five-six weeks ago about the world-record, prior to selling 1,000 copies, and were told it could take 12 weeks to hear back.

Having sent off further proof of meeting the criteria the family now says it is a waiting game.

The current record is held Dorothy Straight who wrote her first book at four-years-old in 1962 but was that not published until she was six.

Bella-Jay’s book can be purchased on Amazon and via Waterstones for £4.