A former Raglan resident who now lives in France has won an award from the Welsh Books Council for the second time.

Jenny Sullivan picked up the 2012 Tir na n-Og English Award at a ceremony in Cardiff Central Library for her latest novel 'Full Moon'.

Jenny was born in Cardiff but lived in Raglan for many years before moving to Brittany in 2004. She returns often to Wales, visiting schools and libraries across the country to hold author sessions and writing workshops.

A novelist, short story writer, poet and storyteller, Jenny was awarded the Irma Chilton Bursary by the Welsh Arts Council in 1993. She has an MA in Creative Writing from Cardiff University, and was awarded a PhD in 2002.

A prolific and popular writer, she has written, or contributed to, well over 30 books for children; she won the Tir na n-Og Award in 2006 for her historical novel Tirion's Secret Journal.

She said: 'I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have won this major award for the second time.

"I must admit to being a compulsive writer and I'm currently working on a sequel to Full Moon."

Published by Pont Books, Full Moon's protagonist is an average teenage girl with an average teenage life – she likes make-up and boys, and isn't too keen on homework.

But an encounter with a strange creature in her Aunty Gwen's cellar changes Nia's life forever.

The Tir na n-Og English Award – which recognises the exceptional quality of books with a Welsh background for children and young people – is sponsored by CILIP Wales (The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals), and the award ceremony formed part of their annual conference.

Elwyn Jones, chief executive of the Welsh Books Council, said: 'There was a wealth of books to be considered for this year's Tir na n-Og Award, reflecting the quality and range of books available for children.

"It is with great pleasure that we warmly congratulate Jenny Sullivan and Pont Books on their achievement."