An eight-year-old bookworm has won a novel prize in a national writing competition.

Lady Lane Park School pupil Toby Smith’s triumph in the national contest run by Usbourne Books earned the school a visit from children’s author Sue Mongredien.

Best known for writing Rainbow Magic, Frightful Families and the Royal Ballet School series, she was at the school, in Bingley, yesterday to give writing workshops to pupils.

Toby won the visit by coming first in his age category in the Usborne Young Writers’ Awards 2009.

For the competition, five of the publishing firm’s authors started stories and young writers were tasked with penning fitting conclusions.

Toby also bagged some prizes all for himself including an all-expenses-paid day trip to London to Usbourne House, a ride on the London Eye, chances to meet various authors and £100 to spend on books of his choice.