CELEBRITIES, MPs and young people are to attend a special event to celebrate the publication of a Walthamstow woman's first book.

Sotonye Diri, 23, a youth development worker at the Walthamstow YMCA, penned No More Excuses with the intention of “inspiring young people”.

Miss Diri, of Forest Road, said: “I decided to write the book because my passion and my burden is young people.

“They don't believe in themselves and I wanted to show them there are other people out there who could have made excuses but chose not to.”

The book, which took her less than a year to put together, contains the stories of various inspirational figures, including Dragon's Den entrepreneur Levi Roots.

“Youth are growing up with no guidance, discipline, or passion for life,” Miss Diri said.

“I believe this is partly due to a lack of 'visible' positive role models in the community, which is why I have got together some of the best role models in our society.”

The launch, which takes place today (Tuesday), will be held in the Atlee Suite at the House of Commons.

Guests include Kanya King MBE, who founded the MOBO awards and MP for Brent South Dawn Butler.

No More Excuses is available from amazon.co.uk and may be ordered from bookshops.

For more information, visit sotonyediri.com