AN AUTHOR who has encouraged children to speak out about incidents they don’t feel comfortable with has won an award.

Christina Gabbitas, an honourary member of the NSPCC council, was honoured at The People’s Book Prize ceremony at Stationers Hall in London for her book Share Some Secrets.

The book, which encourages children to speak to others about things they don’t feel comfortable with, also explains the difference between ‘good and troublesome secrets’ in a language appropriate for primary-age students.

Ms Gabbitas said: “I feel so proud to have won a national book award in the Best Achievement category in the People’s Book Prize.

“The book was chosen by a panel of judges because of the positive impact that it is having.”

The People’s Book Prize is a literary competition aimed at finding, supporting and promoting new and undiscovered works and is decided exclusively by the public.

As well as winning the award Ms Gabbitas also holds education accolade, the Dame Beryl Bainbridge Award.