YOUNGSTERS in Bolton have chosen a thriller as their favourite book.

"Jimmy Coates: Killer" is the debut novel of author Joe Craig and is a fast-paced story of danger and intrigue.

Thousands of secondary school pupils across the borough voted for their favourite from seven books shortlisted for the Bolton Children's Book Award.

It is the second year that the award has been made and organisers plan that it will become an annual event.

More than 200 young people were at the Albert Halls on Saturday when the winning author was presented with a cheque for £500.

Afterwards, Mr Craig said:"I have never been this close to being speechless before!

"When I had the idea for the book, I told my mother and sister when we were having dinner and my mum told me not to talk about it, but to get on and write it. So that's what I did."

Five of the six other shortlisted authors were present to hear the announcement of the winner.

They were: Louise Arnold who wrote Invisible Friend; Thomas Bloor, author of Worm in the Blood; Cathy Cassidy with Indigo Blue; Justin Somper who wrote Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean, and Jeremy Strong, author of Stuff.

Alan MacDonald who wrote Sign of the Angel was not able to attend.

Pupils from Bolton schools and the authors read out extracts from the shortlisted books. The writers also spoke to the young people and signed books.

Cllr Ismail Ibrahim, Bolton Council's executive member for culture and community services, said: "The book award has been extremely successful due to the hard work of the organisers, the support of our sponsors and the enthusiasm and commitment of our young readers.

"Well done to all the authors for engaging the readers and we look forward to the Bolton Children's Book Award 2007."

The event was organised by a working party from Bolton Libraries' schools library team, the Bolton Literacy Trust and secondary school librarians.

It was sponsored by the University of Bolton, along with Bolton Literacy Trust and book suppliers Page Nation.

Joe Craig, who is also a songwriter, won the Vivian Ellis Prize for Most Promising Young Writer for his first musical, The Devil's Blues, in 1999.