AN author from Selby is days away from finding out whether she has won a national award.

Christina Gabbitas, who lives in Leeds Road, has written a number of children’s books about her character Felicity Fly.

Her latest rhyming book, Felicity Fly Meets Veronica Vac, was shortlisted for the People’s Book Award Nominations – a competition set up by bestselling spy author Frederick Forsyth to encourage and recognise new writers.

Next week the book goes up against eleven other children’s authors for the award, but voting is still open.

Christina said she considered it an honour to be nominated, and urged people to vote for her, but said she hoped the children who read her books would take away what she considers to be the most important message she can share.

She said: “You can achieve anything you want to with determination and positivity and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

The author will find out next Wednesday if she has secured the national prize.

She feels her chances of winning are “a long shot” but urged people to vote if they have enjoyed her books.

She added: “I realise that you may all be very busy, but really would appreciate your help.

“It’s a long shot against huge internationals, but well worth an attempt.”

To vote for Christina’s book, or to find out more about the competition, go to peoplesbookprize.com