Ref. 31130-14BUDDING book critics from four Swindon schools chose a classic love tale which is set in the trenches of the First World War as their best read.

Year 9 pupils from Dorcan Technology School, Kingsdown, Headlands and Highworth Warneford, who took part in yesterday's third annual Riveting Read competition, agreed that Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo should take the top spot on the list.

The young volunteers were asked to read five varied books, specially chosen by librarians at the schools, and report back with their findings.

According to Ann Tarrant, the head of English at Dorcan Technology School, which hosted this year's event, said pupils were hooked by Morpurgo's first-person prose.

She said: "They could really engage with the characters in this book.

"They particularly liked the struggle throughout which was between the individual and the authorities.

"It was the perfect book for both boys and girls.

"The boys certainly enjoyed reading about the action of the trenches while the girls engaged with the more feminine love triangle subplot."

Mrs Tarrant added that Mark Haddon's unusual thriller, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night, which is set in Swindon, also scored highly among the youngsters.

That book which features the detective antics of a young boy who is challenged by autism and yet manages to take Maths A level and pass.

It has won numerous awards round the world although its description of Swindon was not that complimentary!

The other novels which featured in the competition were: Lucas by Kevin Brooks, Indigo's Star by Hilary McKay and the well known Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor.