A CHILDREN'S author has presented prizes and certificates to winners of recent book competitions.

Karen King visited Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College in her role as patron of reading for the college.

Students had been asked to say which book character would they like as their best friend and why?

The winner was Abiya Joshy with Matilda by Roald Dahl, with Cameron Taylor with book character Katniss Everdeen and Maria Christodoulou and Chloe Rooke with Mary Poppins.

Ciaran Gould was also given a certificate for writing an excellent story and given advice on writing.

Mrs King said: "Visiting the college is always exciting as I see so many students enthusiastic about books and reading."