PUPILS at a Newton Aycliffe school are contributing to the selection of a literary award.

The youngsters at Greenfield School Community and Arts College have got their heads buried in books shortlisted for The Carnegie Medal.

The award is given annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children, and the students are shadowing the project.

Twelve pupils have been selected because they are enthusiastic readers. They are reading the six shortlisted titles and will decide which book is their favourite and why.

The awards will be announced on Friday, July 9, and the children's decision will be taken into consideration by the adult judges.

The pupils read as many titles as possible and meet in the library once a week to update reviews and swap books.

As a reward for their hard work, the children will receive one book from the list to keep and a full set will be donated to the school library, so that everyone has a chance to read the very best of children's fiction.

The pupils involved in the shadowing are Anne-Marie Turton, Laura Bayles, Duana Pearson, Hannah Hatfield, Emma Martin, Rebecca Davies, Louise Miller, Samantha Elston, Laura-Jane Ridley, Emma Jackson, Sam Hurst and Lauren Randle.

They have been helped in deliberations by teachers Nicola Hunton and Judy Waite.

The Carnegie Medal is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

Details of prizes and the books on the shortlist can be found on the website at www.carnegiegreenway. org.uk.