THE magical world down the back of a sofa has put a children's writer in the running for a leading award.

Tim Hopgood, of North Yorkshire, wrote and illustrated the children's book Our Big Blue Sofa.

The book has been nominated for a Kate Greenaway Medal, which is given by the Literary Association.

The awards are given for distinguished illustrations in a book for children and will be presented in April.

Mr Hopgood, of Raskelf, near Thirsk, said: "It came very much as a surprise, but it's great.

"It means the book will stand out from the others and for a new writer, that's fantastic."

The book explores the adventures of a brother and sister as they play on a large blue sofa.

In their imaginations it becomes a submarine looking for a TV remote at the bottom of the sea and a hot-air balloon.

Mr Hopgood, 45, said the sofa was based on an old bit of furniture that was passed around his family.

He said: "The idea came from my children, Ava, 17, and Bill, 15, being ill and seeing how much time they spent on the sofa.

"It dawned on me how people become attached to sofas, almost like they are a family pet.

"And so the whole time they have adventures while staying put on the sofa."

The former graphic designer became a full-time writer this year and has more books pending.

Meanwhile, Our Big Blue Sofa is on sale in South Korea and is also heading to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Our Big Blue Sofa is on sale priced £10.99 from good bookshops and online at Amazon.co.uk