More than 200 excited pupils gathered together for the Essex Book Awards.

The awards, organised by the School Library Service, aim to encourage wider reading and debate among pupils, with 14 schools taking part in this year's event.

An award for the Best Book Trailer was added this year and drama workshops, author events and a quiz were held in the run up to the ceremony, which was held at The Boswells School.

Authors Martyn Bedford and Geraldine McCaughrean answered questions from the crowd and a video of two other shortlisted authors, Marcus Sedgwick and Phil Earle were played.

Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Literacy is a vital part of a child’s education.

“As a council, we are committed to ensuring that all children are given the best start in life and are always keen to encourage young people in Essex to read, both for pleasure and to aid their learning.

“The Essex Book Awards is an excellent way of engaging with children about reading and I am delighted it has been such a success again this year.”

The Winners were:

  • Book of the Year voted for by the students of Essex : She is not invisible by Marcus Sedgwick
  • Most Engaged School: Moulsham High School
  • Most Engaged School: Runners up: Great Baddow High School
  • Best Pupil Reviews, one for each book, were: Katy Briant Stewards Academy, Max Williams Great Baddow High School, Joma Blair Boswells, Jemimah Asinwo Grays Convent High School, Finlay Jordan Davenant Foundation School, Amber Dunmore Sweyne Park School.
  • Best Animation Film Trailer : Joma Blair Boswells
  • Best Film Trailer: Harris Academy Chafford Hundred.

Joma Blair said: “I couldn’t believe I won, it was a great surprise.”
He added: “I’ve really enjoyed reading the books and meeting the authors, it’s been a great experience.”

School librarian Caroline Grech added: “It was a real privilege for Boswells to host this year’s awards. Everyone left saying what a lovely morning they had.

“It is a truly inspiring event that celebrates the love of reading and creative writing and we're glad so many students were involved across Essex.”