Young book-lovers in Pembrokeshire were represented at the Children’s Book Award 2016 ceremony last week by three pupils from Ysgol Gelli Aur/Golden Grove Community School in Pembroke.

Fern Cumine (11), Nell Evans (10) and Ruby Travis (11) were chosen to represent Pembrokeshire and the West Wales Children’s Book Group.

The girls travelled to London for the prestigious awards, joining children from other book groups across the UK.

As well as meeting several top authors during lunch and an informal book signing session, Fern, Nell and Ruby were chosen to present a portfolio to writer Kim Slater for her book SMART.

The portfolio consisted of work on Kim’s book carried out by students across the UK, including pupils from several schools in Pembrokeshire. It was bound and illustrated professionally.

Catherine Cumine, Fern’s mother, said the girls described it as a really exciting experience with an ‘awesome atmosphere.’

“They said they enjoyed being surrounded by books and it made them want to read everything!” said Catherine.

“It was lovely to be involved in something centred fully around books and celebrating reading,” she added.

“The authors were very open, kind and supportive with the children and it was a brilliant day. They even had invitations to meet up with some of the authors at the Hay Festival!”

The Children’s Book Award is the only book award where children are responsible for short-listing, as well as voting. Nearly 100,000 votes in total were cast this year, with over 30,000 for the shortlist.