A record number of children in Stockport took part in a book competition this summer.

Thousands of children from across the borough took part in the 30th iteration of the Stockport Children's Book Awards, where readers vote for their favourite book in three different categories.

Children were given a shortlist of books to read in each category and were then asked to vote for their favourite.

Around 7,000 votes were cast -  the largest ever vote in the 30 year history of the book awards.

The winning titles were:

• Best Picture Book: Witch Cat by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Laura Hughes
• Best Read for Juniors: Nora and the Map of Mayhem by Joseph Elliott, illustrated by Nici Gregory
• Best Read for Upper Juniors: The Island at the Edge of Night by Lucy Strange

The winning and shortlisted authors attended a special ceremony at Stockport Town Hall, along with parents, children, and Mayor of Stockport Cllr Kerry Waters.

The aim of the awards is to get more youngsters reading for pleasure (Image - Nub News)

Jennifer Sherstone, a teacher at Westmorland Primary School in Brinnington, helped organise the process of reading and voting.

Speaking of the ceremony, she said: "It was a lovely awards evening.

"The children loved seeing themselves and their friends reviewing books on the big screen, seeing their artwork displayed, meeting the authors and enjoying the activities as well as being the first to know who won the awards."

Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, added: "This was a fantastic evening for our young people across the borough – to see so many children getting involved with this year's book awards through their schools, local libraries and Stockroom – our new town centre community hub – is fabulous.

"The Stockport Children's Book Awards have been inspiring young readers and celebrating the creativity of authors for 30 years – as well as helping children reap the benefits of reading – such as building confidence, using their imagination and much, much more.

"This year's event was able to showcase that the magic of reading really is something special – and that young people across our borough love books and love to read!"

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