A SCHOOL is helping to choose the next JK Rowling after being picked to judge a book competition.

Teacher Sharon Cope's pupils at Belvedere Infant School, Mitchell Close, Belvedere, make up one of only 150 classes chosen from thousands around the country.

The children will decide which authors should win the gold, silver and bronze awards for this year's Nestl Children's Book Prize, organised by reading charity Booktrust.

Chief executive Chris Meade said: "I'd like to congratulate the pupils of Belvedere Infant School for being chosen as young judges for this year's competition."

This is the 21st year of the event which has helped launch the career of many children's writers including JK Rowling and Lauren Child.