CHILDREN from west Wiltshire have helped select the county's nominations for two literary awards that celebrate the best new titles for young readers.

Pupils at Fitzmaurice and Christchurch primary schools, in Bradford on Avon, gave their views on the books they liked most in 2004, at a selection day in Devizes.

Joined by colleagues from Southbroom Junior School, Devizes, they came up with two choices for national awards the Carnegie Medal and the Kate Greenaway Medal.

The Carnegie Medal is usually awarded to the author of a book written for young people, while the Kate Greenaway Medal aims to honour the best in illustrated children's books.

The two nominations for the Carnegie Medal were Looking For JJ by Anne Cassidy and Dumb Creatures by Jeanne Willis. And the chosen two for the Kate Greenaway Medal were Dougal's Deep-Sea Diary by Simon Bertram and One More Sheep by Russell Ayto and Mij Kelly.

Wiltshire organiser Wendy Beaver said: "It was a great day for everyone involved.

"This annual event gives children, library staff, teachers and other literacy professionals the opportunity to talk about the best books being published for young readers. It will be fascinating to see who will go on to win the medals."

Judges at the Chartered Institute of Librarians and Information Professionals will consider similar nominations from across the country and draw up shortlists from which winners will be chosen in July.