A collection of a Manx poet’s work has been released in a new book for the first time on World Book Day (March 2).

Peel Heritage Trust has launched the book of poetry by Margaret Letitia Josephine Kermode entitled ’The Enchanting Island of Cushag’.

The book has been compiled by Peel man and schools co-ordinator for Peel Heritage Trust Bill Quine and also features a short biography of Miss Kermode.

Among 105 poems included is her most commonly known poem ’Traa-dy-Lioaar’ together with ’Goodbye’ and ’The Herring Fleet’.

Margaret Letitia Josephine Kermode was born on 18 September 1852, at 73 Parliament Street, Ramsey, to Reverend William Kermode and his second wife, Jane Bishop.

She later became better known under her pen name of ’Cushag’.

’Cushag’s’ brother was Philip Moore Callow Kermode who was the first director of the Manx Museum.

She never married and acted as a housekeeper for her brother from 1908. They lived in a secluded house in Glen Auldyn. ’Cushag’ died in 1937.

Peel Heritage Trust donated 96 copies of the book to the Department of Education and Children for use in the schools across the island.

Mr Quine said: ’We have a policy of trying to engage with children in order to keep our culture and heritage alive; this is why we wished to involve children in this launch - it is 80 years this year since "Cushag" died.’

The launch, at Peel Clothworkers School was attended by Jo Callister from the DEC, Bridge Carter and Di Benson from Poetry Unlimited, Breesha Maddrell from Culture Vannin, as well as representatives of Peel Heritage Trust.