YOUNGSTERS have been rewarded for their efforts to improve their school libraries.

The Junior and Young Librarians 2005 awards ceremony took place yesterday in Stockton Central Library lecture hall, when students from 12 primary and three secondary schools were presented with awards.

Organised by Stockton Borough Council, the ceremony was conducted by Mayor Mick Stoker and children's author Gillian Cross, writer of the Demon Headmaster books, now a successful TV series.

The winner of the Junior Librarian award was Fatima Din, from The Oak Tree Primary and the winner of the Young Librarian award was Paul Morris, of Our Lady and St Bede's RC Comprehensive school, both in Stockton.