A SELBY author has said she is proud to have been nominated in a national writing competition.

Christina Gabbitas, who lives in Leeds Road, has written a number of children’s books about her character Felicity Fly, and her latest rhyming book – Felicity Fly Meets Veronica Vac – was shortlisted for the People’s Book Award Nominations.

The competition was set up by bestselling spy author Frederick Forsyth to encourage new writers, and Christina’s book was one of just a dozen to be showcased at the awards last week.

She said: “Sadly, I didn’t win this year, but felt very privileged to be in the top 12 in the UK and met some amazing people.” The chap that won had been writing for 10 years and has 15 books out.

“The good news is that they are showcasing my first book in the series - Welcome to The World of Felicity Fly - in their summer collection, which means I could still be in the running for 2015!”

Christina thanked everyone who supported her throughout the competition.