BOOKWORMS from schools across the borough have been hard at it over the past few months, choosing their favourite reads of the year.

St Helens Schools Library Service operates BASH - Book Awards St Helens - an annual reading-for-pleasure scheme where children and young people are encouraged to read the latest fiction.

As part of this, years One, Five, Seven, Eight and Nine pupils took part in library workshops to agree on which book should be crowned number one from a shortlist of nominations in their respective age category.

Celebration events held at Chester Lane Library saw winning titles announced by children's authors, with the Mayor and Mayor of St Helens, Councillors Dave and Jeanette Banks, also among those attending.

Children's author and illustrator Steven Lenton announced Emma Yarlett's 'Nibbles: The Book Monster' as the winner of the five-plus award after Year One pupils gave it the nod.

In the nine-plus category, author Will Mabbit announced Julian Clary's 'The Bolds' as the favourite.

Meanwhile, in the 11-plus event, after much deliberation, 'A Seven Letter Word' by Kim Slater was announced winner by 'The Art of Being Normal' author, Lisa Williamson.

Awards were also handed out for the best book reviews, with Billinge St Aidan's Piper Williams and Bridie Bell from Haydock High School commended for her review of 'Am I Normal Yet?' by Holly Bourne.

Sue Williamson, head of library services for St Helens Council, said: "It's wonderful to see so many young people turn out to show their enthusiasm for reading at this celebration event.

"Reading has the ability to reach children and young people in a way other mediums can't."

BASH is available to schools that subscribe to the school library service. For information, call Kathryn Boothroyd on 677486 or email kathrynboothroyd@sthelens.gov.uk.