Wild East, the debut YA verse-novel by Ashley Hickson-Lovence, was revealed as the winner at a special celebration event hosted at Dragon Hall, the National Centre for Writing's Literature House in Norwich.

He will receive a £1,000 cash prize.

(Image: Contributed by National Centre for Writing)

He said: "I am so grateful to East Anglia for the permission it has given me to be a writer and to experiment and explore with this story that hopes to capture the magic and literary prowess of this region. Wild East is very much based on my lived experience of moving from East London to East Anglia, so I’m delighted that it has resonated with judges and readers across the region.

"This is huge for me. It is validation that I should keep writing, and that if you really have belief and keep going, your creativity can really flourish in this region."

Wild East is the empowering story of Ronny, a 14-year-old who moves out of London to a new city after his life is struck by tragedy.

As a Black teenager in a mostly white school, Ronny feels like a complete outsider. But when a local poet comes into class, Ronny discovers a world he’s never considered before – that rap and poetry may be the key to achieving his dreams.

The judging panel praised Wild East for its creative rhythm and uplifting message and labelled it "a regional success with national relevance."

Nick Acheson, one of the judges and winner of Book of the Year........

© Norwich Evening News