A WRITER brutally stabbed and mugged as a teenager has been named the Theakston Old Peculier Crime writer of the year for the book which saved his life.

Chris Whitaker won the prestigious award at the event run through the North Yorkshire brewery which has now become renowned as the worlds leading crime writing award.

The book 'We Begin At the End' was Chris's first nomination amid tough competition from renowned crime writers across the globe.The book a powerful story of crime, punishment, love and redemption set in California was chosen as the winner through a public vote, the prize Academy and a panel of expert judges.

. Chris from Hertfordshire who worked in his local library said: "I began writing this book as a form of therapy after being mugged and stabbed. Without doubt this story saved my life, so to win this award feels like the most wonderful, dreamlike end to a journey that has been twenty years in the making. I have read the shortlisted books, so know with some certainty that I’m not a worthy winner, but I am a grateful one, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop smiling now."

Executive director of T&R Theakston brewery which is based in Masham, Simon Theakston, said: "The contest for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year award has been fiercely fought, a reflection of the outstanding quality of all the longlisted and shortlisted crime fiction published within the last year. "

Gary Jones, Express Editor-in-Chief, said: "This is the world's most famous celebration of crime writing and we're thrilled the Theakston Old Peculier Festival was back this year in the flesh and better than ever. "

Renowned authors Ian Rankin OBE, and Mark Billingham were given Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Awards at the event, presented through Harrogate International Festivals at the town's Old Swan Hotel.

Ian Rankin said: "It’s such a privilege and an honour to receive this award in person in Harrogate. I’ve been a published writer for over thirty years but this past year has been uniquely challenging, for writers, readers and booksellers. It’s heartening to see the Theakston Festival rise like a phoenix. Books continue to provide us with that wonderful mix of food for thought and escapism.