Breaking News!!! The Ruth Rendell Award

Copyright Jerry Bauer

A new annual award is launched today by the National Literacy Trust and the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society in memory of bestselling novelist Ruth Rendell. The Ruth Rendell Award will be presented to the author or writer who has done the most to raise literacy levels in the UK either through their writing and books or through their advocacy and championing of the cause of literacy.

Ruth Rendell was a long-time supporter of the National Literacy Trust since the Charity's launch 21 years ago and the award is launched today on what would have been her birthday. The award is sponsored by the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society.

Nominations for authors or writers who have had a significant influence on the literacy cause in the past year are being sought from schools, charities, libraries, booksellers and individuals. The closing date for entries is 31 May.

The judging panel is chaired by Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust. It comprises writer Jonathan Fryer, an ALCS board member, Sue Wilkinson, Chief Executive of the Reading Agency and Ginny Lunn, Chief Executive of Beanstalk. The Reading Agency and Beanstalk are both members of the National Literacy Forum, convened by the National Literacy Trust, which includes representatives from Government, business, local authorities and the voluntary and community sector.

The Ruth Rendell Award will be presented by Ruth's son, Simon Rendell, at a ceremony at the House of Commons in December 2016 as part of the All Party Parliamentary Writers Group annual reception.

Ruth Rendell, who died last year aged 85, was a bestselling author known for writing thrillers and psychological murder mysteries including the Inspector Wexford series. She also wrote under the pen name Barbara Vine and won a number of awards for her books in a career which spanned six decades.

National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas said: "This brand new award celebrating the commitment of authors to the literacy cause is a wonderful tribute to Ruth Rendell, who was a much-loved author and a powerful advocate for literacy."

Simon Rendell said: "Ruth would be delighted with the idea of an award for literacy, reading was a huge part of her life both professionally and privately. I look forward to presenting the award to a worthy winner next December."

Barbara Hayes, Deputy Chief Executive of ALCS said: "We're thrilled to be supporting such a fitting tribute to Ruth Rendell. Ruth herself was such a champion of literacy and this award will serve to highlight the fantastic work being done by other authors in this area."

For more information, visit: www.literacytrust.org.uk/ruthrendellaward