A dyslexic primary pupil has dedicated her first book to the inspirational teacher who encouraged her to write.

Sukie Dell surprised her former Year 1 teacher Rebecca Paul by thanking her on the title page of her book Being Dyslexic, which describes her feelings and struggles at school.

Now a year four pupil at Sarum Hall independent prep school in Belsize Park, the eight-year-old wrote and illustrated the short story to help others who may be struggling to cope with the disorder, which can cause problems with reading writing and spelling.Ham & High: Sukie Dell was diagnosed with dyslexia aged six and has now written a book to help others who may be struggling to read write an spellSukie Dell was diagnosed with dyslexia aged six and has now written a book to help others who may be struggling to read write an spell (Image: Copyright Sarum Hall School)

The back cover states ‘Being dyslexic is hard, but if you work hard you can do anything.'

Being Dyslexic is available through Amazon and all profits will be donated to the British Dyslexia Association.

Sukie said that Miss Paul who taught her when she was five, encouraged her to write stories despite her difficulties: “I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was six years old. It had a big impact on my life and school, but I know that I was surrounded by my friends, special people, and my family. I wrote this book to help other dyslexic children realise that they are smart in their own way.”

Rebecca Paul said: “I was overwhelmed when Sukie dedicated her book to me. She is an excellent story teller with a wonderful imagination. It was really important to me that her dyslexia should not be a barrier to her future learning. I’m delighted that she has published her first book, and I hope there will be many more to come!"

Headmistress Karen Coles said the school offered individualised support to pupils with dyslexia and used a variety of teaching strategies to ensure they have the confidence and skills to succeed.

“We are incredibly proud of Sukie," she said.

"She has demonstrated great courage and resilience throughout her time at Sarum Hall School. We strive to encourage pupils to help each other, and this book is a wonderful demonstration of Sukie’s kindness in wishing to help other children who might be struggling to overcome some of the obstacles she has faced.”