Newton: Dad enjoys overwhelming feedback to 'Counting Christmas Trees'

After enjoying a dad and daughter game of counting Christmas trees through Newton-le-Willows, Brian Agger had toyed with expanding the idea into a children's book after writing a short poem on the family tradition.

Basing the story on a festive walk home from the Kirkfield Hotel with his daughter Jasmine, Brian decided to write the book before the 11-year-old got too old.

Despite the nerves of self-publishing his first ever book, Brian said he has been "overwhelmed" with the feedback to 'Counting Christmas Trees', with particular support coming from the community in Newton-le-Willows.

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Brian with Kirkfield Holly Cain inside the Kirkfield's library lounge (Image: Kirkfield Hotel) With Brian's wife Carla owning the 'Jasmine's Gifts' sweet and card shop on Newton's High Street, the dad-of-one said there has been an influx of people popping in to purchase the book.

There have been others, including parents from Jasmine's school, who have asked the 52-year-old for signed copies.

St Helens Libraries have also been in touch to showcase copies across their library network, with Brian and Jasmine scheduled to perform a reading at Newton-le-Willows Library next month.

Further to this, the business that is referenced in 'Counting Christmas Trees', the Kirkfield Hotel, has permanently framed a copy of the book inside the venue's recently revamped library lounge.

Amazed by the work of the Kirkfield regular, co-owner Terence Southward will also hand free copies to corporate and hotel guests to highlight how magical Newton-le-Willows can be at Chirstmastime.

A copy of Brian's book has been permanently framed inside the Kirkfield Hotel (Image: Kirkfield Hotel) "I've been taken aback by it all to be honest, because I wasn't expecting this feedback at all", the dad-of-one explained.

"It feels like a bit of serendipity to be showcased in the Kirkfield because that is the location where the Christmas game and book first came from.

"It feels quite fitting for the book to be shown there and I'm honoured to have been asked by Terence.

"In general the feedback has been unbelievable. So many people have been in touch to say they loved it and love the mention of local landmarks.

"It seems to be connecting with the local community and some people have said they will be sending the book to family overseas, so it's all been quite overwhelming!"

Brian, Jasmine, and Carla with a copy of 'Counting Christmas Trees' outside the Kirkfield (Image: Brian Agger) 'Counting Christmas Trees' is available to purchase at Jasmine's Gift on Newton's High Street as well as on their website here, and Amazon here.