A book celebrating the work of a "brilliantly talented" poet and artist from Bewdley has been published a year after her death. 

Elizabeth 'Betti' Moretti was a much-loved singer, actor, artist and illustrator who died aged 53 in September 2023 from lung cancer.

The mum-of-one had a love for the arts which led to a career in TV starting out alongside Richard Patching in Hagley. 

This was followed by working on children’s programmes like Scratchy and Co and becoming a production assistant at Pebble Mill Studios.

She would later work with Carl Timms, a local film producer, on a film starring Alison Steadman and James Cosmo. 

Betti was also a talented poet writing poems including "A Genius Waiting to Happen" and from 2018 to 2019, she became poet laureate of Worcestershire.

Betti was named poet laureate of Worcestershire Betti was named poet laureate of Worcestershire (Image: Marie Moretti) Following her funeral last year, her mum Marie Moretti said: "My daughter was a hippie at heart. It was all about the sun, the sand and the sea and even when she became ill, doctors were amazed at her stamina.

"It has been really tough, but I am so proud of my brilliantly talented girl and all she’s achieved."

Ms Moretti now hopes the commemorative collection of her daughter's poems and artwork entitled 'Brilliant Betti' will help her memory live on. 

She said: "Betti died a year ago but as her mother, I would like her memory to live on and her artwork shared. 

"She has left her daughter Coco, who is now studying at Swansea University, a rich legacy of memories.

"The book is being sold at the reasonable price of £8 and it would make a great little stocking filler for all aspiring poets." 

The front cover for Brilliant Betti The front cover for Brilliant Betti (Image: Marie Moretti) The book has been released in time for The Bewdley Festival as a reflection of Betti's dedication to to the local community from crocheting a coat for a hugging tree at Bewdley Museum to helping raise £50,000 for charity with Wild in Art. 

One Earth, a Bewdley group, is also set to produce an annual Betti Moretti prize for aspiring poets across Wyre Forest. 

The commemorative collection is available from local book shops and from Black Pear Press by visiting https://blackpear.net/