A NORTH East author famed for her novels depicting the adventurous work of DCI Vera Stanhope has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

Ann Cleeves first wrote about the detective in The Crow Trap, which was published in 1999, after dreaming up the character whilst walking with her late husband, Tim, in Northumberland.

Her novels have gone on to become international bestsellers and the ITV series based on them has grown a huge following around the world.

Ms Cleeves has now been recognised in the annual end of year list for services to reading and libraries.

Read more: Vera author Ann Cleeves launches reading for wellbeing project

In September, the author worked with public health, council, academic and voluntary organisations to initiate a scheme to see how reading can improve the health of people across the region.

Ms Cleeves told The Northern Echo she is still surprised by how much fans of the books and television show love Vera.

She said: “I still cannot believe the reaction of people to this crumpled, compassionate, rude middle-aged woman who stomps around the countryside solving murders.”

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