NOT many people know that the imaginary setting of ‘Twigmere’ in London-based author and illustrator Rebecca J Cunningham’s latest novel is actually Haslemere.

Entitled ‘The Mattress Turner of Twigmere,’ the time-travelling tale revolves around the ghostly Gifford Hans, whose devoted clients are mysteriously rejuvenated after sleeping on beds that have received his magical attentions.

The book’s inspiration sprang from a visit to a Haslemere bedding shop, paid by the author herself, when she was told the store provided a mattress turning service - and her imagination ran riot.

Rebecca told The Herald: “I lived in Hindhead for a short while, but I fell in love with Haslemere some years back.

“Apart from its good looks, the town and surrounding areas holds plenty of intrigue – it was once a rotten borough, has an ancient history with music, not to mention its connections with the Arts and Crafts movement.

“The inspiration for the tale came like manna from heaven.

“I was visiting a bedding store, just off Haslemere High Street, trying to lift one of their hefty mattresses: ‘How do you turn this thing?’ I enquired. ‘I can’t even move it.’ – ‘We do provide a mattress turning service,’ came the manger’s swift and unusual reply.

“I didn’t buy the bed so I will never know if Mr Gifford-Hans would have been my ‘man to turn’.

“Twigmere certainly has an air of loveliness, with its winding streets, ancient hills and cottages – not to mention a well-respected store - that matches Haslemere to a ‘T’.

“But whether it is the exact place, I couldn’t possibly comment. I leave that to the readers.

“But please do look out for the old man with the interesting spectacles – he has a few tales of his own.”