A YOUNG library monitor at Abbeyfield School has reached the finals of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals' Young Librarian of the Year award.

Fourteen-year-old James Belcher achieved his place in the finals of the prestigious awards through his diligent work at the school, under the tutelage of school librarian Gareth Evans.

"James is a fantastic Library Monitor and a great ambassador for the school library," Mr Evans said. "I'm really proud of him for being shortlisted for this award."

The 14-year-old, who has had to overcome a number of barriers due to his autism, will visit parliament and number 10 Downing Street during the final day of judging on March 16, where he plans to deliver a letter to Theresa May about celebrating the importance of libraries in schools.

"The library means a lot to me," James said. "It has given me a role with a sense of purpose which has helped me remain focused and control my anger which unfortunately I have had issues with in the past and created a place where I feel like I belong.”