A CHILDREN'S author from Biddestone who has written about the adventures of a seafaring pug has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017.

Laura James, of The Buts, said she was over the moon to be shortlisted for one of the most prestigious accolades in the world of children's books for Captain Pug, which was inspired by her father, a retired naval officer, and her dog Brian.

"It is an honour to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award that honours new authors," the 37-year old said. "I am utterly over the moon. To get Waterstones' approval would mean so much."

Before deciding to pursue a career as a writer, Ms James worked on a number of high profile projects in the film industry including Slumdog Millionaire and Veronica Guerin but let her creative flair bloom when she enrolled for an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa.

She said: "I decided I either stayed in this slipstream for the rest of my life – which wasn't a bad choice – or I tried to be creative myself. I think I waffled on about writing for years and I actually had a poem published when I was 12.

"I actually think the only people that bought that book were the people who were in it but I think the bug grew from that really."

The Waterstones Children's book prize exists to reward and champion new and emerging talent in the children's book world. Now in its 13th year, it is widely regarded as one of the most important prizes for children's books and Kate Miller, manager at Waterstones Bath, believes Captain Pug deserves its nomination.

She said: "Congratulations to Laura James. We love Captain Pug, it’s a thoroughly entertaining read illustrated throughout in highly amusing style. It’s exactly the kind of story to capture the imagination of younger children and to encourage a love of reading. It is wonderful to have such an exciting new talent on our doorstep.”

The winners of each category, who will take home £2,000, will be announced at Waterstones Piccadilly, London on Thursday, March 30.