AN AUTHOR from Selby has received a Mayoral award for her ‘outstanding’ contribution to children’s literature.

Christina Gabbitas was awarded the prize by Councillor Jim Shorrock, the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen.

The author said: “It is such an honour to receive this award.”

Cllr Shorrock said: “I’m awarding this to Christina in appreciation and recognition of the outstanding contribution made to Blackburn with Darwen for her dedication and promotion of children’s literature throughout the borough and for promoting education and awareness around child safety.”

Christina spent the first 22 years of her life in Blackburn, attending schools in the area and Blackburn College.

Christina’s latest publication is set to educate children on topics including grooming, county lines and knife crime.

The author, who was made an Honorary Member of the NSPCC Council for her dedication to promoting safeguarding children, has also been working with a number of Police and Crime Commissioners Offices, including Lancashire who included her book Share Some Secrets in their child exploitation toolkit.