A FAVOURITE children's author will be named at a ceremony in Stockton.

Now in its 11th year, the town's Children's Book of the Year celebrates the best in children's fiction.

More than 750 nine to 12-year-olds from 24 primary, secondary and special schools have been reading the short-listed books and voting for their favourite, who will be revealed on Tuesday, at the Oakwood Centre, Eaglescliffe.

This year's contenders are:

* Blart, by Dominic Barker;

* The Howling Tower, by Michael Coleman;

* I Coriander, by Sally Gardner;

* The Secret Country, by Jane Johnson;

* The Dreamwalker's Child, by Steve Voake.

Jean O'Donnell, Stockton's member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "The event exposes children to inspiring literature and allows them to have a real say in the award."