CHILDREN are being given the chance to become a character in a popular book series.

Winning youngsters will be turned into characters in the third instalment of the Terry, the Torus and the Tumblestones series: The Guardian of the Past.

To win the prize, children should say, in 100 words or less, who their favourite character was and why from the first book: The Seven Stones.

There are two categories: under 12 and 12 plus. Five entries will be shortlisted from each category. Nine runners up will receive a signed copy of the third book.

The closing date for entries is May 31, 2010. For more information, see terry-torus-tumblestones.co.uk The author of the series, Chris Goy, will be signing books in Waterstones, Durham, on Saturday, October 24, from 11am, to coincide with the launch of this year’s Durham Book Festival, which runs from October 23 to November 1.