A north Norfolk chef who has catered for royal events, weddings and fund raisers is giving readers a peep behind the scenes through her new book.

Deborah Steward, who studied at King's Lynn College and lives in Houghton St Giles near Little Walsingham, has launched her debut book 'Canapés, Cakes and Calamities' about her adventures during the 20 years she has provided catering services across Norfolk.

Mrs Steward's project began almost two years ago when she was forced to take three months off work as a result of an operation.

Not one to sit back and relax, the mother-of-two daughters, whose team caters for The Restaurant on the Sandringham Estate, decided it was the perfect time to put the book, which includes 20 of her recipes, together from her extensive archives.

'I wanted the book to be a colourful book and I wanted it to make people smile and for people who know me to realise I wrote it. More importantly I wanted it to be a Norfolk book,' said the 54-year-old, who runs the catering business with her husband Kevin, 53.

Mrs Steward added one of the highlights of her career told in the book was when a wild sheep 'ran amok' at a family party she was catering for.

'Our work is generally for people enjoying their high days and holidays. It's a privilege that we are part of all that and you get to know the families.'

Have you got a story about a new project? Email sophie.biddle@archant.co.uk