Search is on to find favourite book

A best-selling author has launched a campaign to find Staffordshire residents' favourite book.

Crime writer RJ Ellory unveiled "Staffordshire's Favourite Read", which aims to get people to vote for their favourite book so that the resulting list can inspire future readers.

The initiative is the grand finale of the county's National Year of Reading events, with voting open until midnight on December 31.

Everyone who votes will be entered into a free prize draw which has a top prize of Waterstone's vouchers and a signed copy of RJ Ellory's new book, A Simple Act of Violence.

His previous novel, A Quiet Belief in Angels, became a bestseller last year after being featured on daytime TV presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan's annual Book Club.

He said: "I want to lend my whole-hearted support to the Staffordshire's Favourite Read campaign.

"Anything that helps people discover the magic of reading has to be given all the attention it deserves.

"If you have a favourite book, then make sure you vote and make someone else as much of a book fan as yourself."

Councillor Maureen Compton, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet support member for cultural services, also urged people to take part in the campaign. She said: "There are some books that you just can't put down. They capture your imagination and you find the hours have disappeared in what seems like a few minutes.

"If you've ever come across a book like this, vote for it as part of Staffordshire's Favourite Read so that other people in Staffordshire can discover it."

The most popular book will be announced on World Book Day, March 5 next year, and the winner of the prize draw will be revealed in the New Year.

People can vote on-line at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/bestbook, at libraries, mobile libraries or Children's Centres in Staffordshire, and at Waterstone's stores in Stafford and Burton upon Trent.