A PUPIL of St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon has been given a Guardian Young Critic award after submitting a review of a book.

Josephine Learoyd, 15, of St Laurence, entered the competition during the summer holidays by reviewing The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock. Not long after Josephine received the news that she was invited to the Children’s Fiction Prize/Young Critics Competition Award ceremony at the Guardian Offices in King's Cross.

Josephine said: "The presentation in London was really fun. It was the awards ceremony for the Young Critics award and the Guardian Children’s Fiction prize so it was attended by the authors shortlisted for the prize, their publishers and the judging panel.

"The writer SF Said was a member of the judging panel who presented me with my award. It was great to hear the authors talk about their work and meet some of the people who work in writing and publishing. It was also really interesting to see inside The Guardian’s offices. I also enjoyed meeting the other winners as they were a really nice group of young people who are as excited about books and reading as I am."

The young critic is now thinking what the future may hold for her, hoping that people will enjoy reading her reviews.

"I would enjoy working in journalism or as a critic but I know those careers are very difficult to get into. However, I do enjoy writing and sharing my views and opinions with others. I just hope people enjoy reading them," Josephine added.

The head of St Laurence, Fergus Stewart, has spoken on behalf of the school and is overjoyed that Josephine received such a prestigious award for her work.

Mr Stewart said: “I am delighted that Josephine was selected as the winner of this highly prestigious award. That she entered the competition on her own initiative and in her own time is extremely commendable. We are thrilled for her and congratulate her on this fantastic achievement.”