YOUNG readers in Stockton have chosen their 'book of the year' in a secret ballot.

More than 500 children, aged from nine to 12, took part in the vote and chose The Last Wild by Piers Torday as Stockton Children's Book of the Year

The readers were given a choice of four books and chose Mr Torday's story about a 12-year-old boy who meets a selection of charismatic wild animals and joins them on an adventure.

A prize also went to the young person with the best Book Review of the Year Award. This was won by Hollie Evans, a pupil from Ingleby Mill Primary School, in Ingleby Barwick, for her review of Deep Amber by C J Busby.

Mr Torday, originally from Northumberland, said: “I am delighted and honoured that The Last Wild has won Stockton Children’s Book of the Year 2015. Not only does the recognition from libraries, schools and children from the North-East mean so much to me personally, but it is a fantastic opportunity to create engagement and buzz around books, reading and authors.

"I know from previous involvement at other regional awards what an impact these events can have on young readers, with the wonderful emails and letters that follow. The mass participation of local children in this award puts the power of reading and limitless possibilities of the imagination directly into their hands, and it is a privilege to be part of that process.”

Now in its 18th year the book awards are organised by Stockton Council’s Libraries Service to celebrate books and the pleasure of reading.