A PUPIL from St Bedes Catholic High School in Lytham St Annes was among the judging panel at this year's Lancashire Book of the Year Award held at Askews Library Services on North Road in Preston.

Charlotte Murray, along with pupils from 12 schools around Lancashire, deliberated all day about choosing from the ten finalist books pre-selected by children in high schools across Lancashire.

By lunchtime they had narrowed it down to three books, and after lunch the children were split into discussion groups. Following careful consideration the judges decided this year's award should go jointly to Bloodtide by Melvin Burgess and Plague by Malcolm Rose.

The authors of the winning books were telephoned by two of the children and invited to attend the presentation ceremony on June 23 at the Guild Hall, in Preston. Both authors accepted the invitation and the children are looking forward to meeting.

Jean Wolstenholme, of Lancashire Schools Library Services, famous children's author Hazel Townsen and the chairman of libraries and the lifelong learning sub committee, Councillor Dorothy Westell, were present on the day, giving children guidance and support throughout the process.

County Councillor Dorothy Westell, who is also vice chairman of the County Council said: "It is important that children are involved in awards like this because it is their opinion that counts. I would like to thank all the children who took part, and Askews for continuing to support this event."