Geri brings a touch of Ginger Spice to town

A SPICE Girl turned children's author was in Poole on Saturday to sign copies of her latest book.

Geri Halliwell - who achieved worldwide fame as Ginger Spice - dropped into Tesco at Fleetsbridge to meet young fans and to launch Ugenia Lavender and the Terrible Tiger, the second in what will be a series of six books penned by the pop star.

Geri, fresh from appearing at Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concert in London on Friday evening, also presented £500 of Tesco vouchers to Lizzie Turner, 13, from Ensbury Park, Bournemouth, who won an online competition.

Spice Girls' fan Lizzie said she was "nervous" about meeting Geri.

Fans queued along the length of the upstairs section of the store and first in line was Daina Bessant, eight, of Canford Heath, who was with her mum, Lisa.

They waited almost four hours to meet the author and dozens of other fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the star, cameras at the ready.

advertisementDaina said: "I could read this book over and over again. They're very adventurous and they're very funny."

Mum Lisa added: "I've read the first one myself to see what the fuss is about and they're very good children's books."

The books follow the adventures of young girl Ugenia Lavender and the latest title sees her battle for the leading role in a class play and rescue a tiger from the circus.

Geri said: "To me, Ugenia sums up what being young is all about. She's streetwise, sassy, has a sense of humour, but most importantly has a real sense of right and wrong. I believe Ugenia can conquer the world, and I really hope people will love her as much as I do."

More books in the series are due for release later in the year.

NELSON UPDATE: Geri to give Nelson Mandela a 'Special' Gift at the Concert (and Spice Girls Headlining it?)

Geri Halliwell has promised to give Mandela a special treat for his 90th birthday.

The Spice Girl - who is rumoured to be headlining the concert later this year with the rest of the band - wants to make his celebrations extra special.

She said: "I'll have to get in touch with him. Perhaps I'll send him a personal video message."

Mandela was first introduced to the Spice Girls in 1997, during the height of their fame, at his official presidential residence Mahlamba Nalopfu, in Pretoria, South Africa.

While Geri was there she famously cuddled up to the then-world leader and told him he was "only as old as the girl you feel - and I'm 25".

Spice Girls To Play Nelson Mandela Concert?

There have been several reports in the papers that the SPice Girls will be performing at Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Gig. According to the BBC News Website, the girls have yet to be formally asked.

Its quoted "The Spice Girls have said they would love to perform for former South African president Nelson Mandela at his 90th birthday celebrations in June. But the reformed girl band said they had yet to be formally asked."

LETS HOPE THEY ARE FORMALLY ASKED, BECAUSE I WOULD TO SEE THEM ONE LAST TIME BEFORE THEY LEAVE MUSIC AS A FIVE-PIECE!