TOP children's writer Gillian Cross has visited West Swindon library to meet some of the town's teenagers and to discuss their favourite books.

Mrs Cross and the teenagers talked about the top five books chosen by teens in the Swindon Libraries Fantastic Fiction Award 2003.

The top five were Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman; Tightrope by Gillian Cross; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling; Voyage of the Arctic Tern by Hugh Montgomery and Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah.

Mrs Cross said: "I am impressed by the scheme which has been thought up by Swindon's librarians.

"I particularly like the fact that it's not entirely school-based and the teenagers have selected the short list themselves.

"Of course, I'm delighted they have chosen my book Tightrope."

The overall winner of the award will be announced at the end of December.

Votes can be cast via www.swindon.gov.uk/fantasticfictionaward