A reporter from the Gazette & Herald in Wiltshire has won a special horror literary award for her gothic novel Century.

Sarah Singleton’s debut children’s novel was named this year’s winner of the Children of the Night award from the Dracula Society.

She received a trophy during the society’s Bram Stoker Birthday Dinner, its 32nd annual dinner, in London.

Actress Lesley Sharp, star of films The Full Monty and From Hell, was presented with the Hamilton Deane Award for her portrayal of troubled medium Alison Mundy in ITV’s drama series Afterlife.

Sarah said: “I had a fascinating evening. The Dracula Society members made me feel very welcome and I enjoyed a wonderful meal with them.

“They were a fascinating bunch and many were dressed in alluring gothic outfits.

“I was honoured to accept the award and sign some books.”

Previous winners have included Terry Pratchett, Ramsay Campbell and Sarah Waters.

Last year Sarah won the Booktrust Teenage Prize for Century, a tale about a strange family who live in a mansion.

Her second young adult novel, Heretic, was published this year and her third, Sacrifice, is due out in April.