A FORMER barmaid has won a prestigious literary prize for her debut novel.

Michelle Harrison, of Abingdon Road, Oxford, was given a Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize at a special ceremony at the bookchain’s shop in Piccadilly, London, last night.

The author, who previously worked as a social club barmaid and a book shop assistant in her home town of Grays, Essex, penned the first few chapters of her work, The 13 Treasures, while at university in Stafford.

The fairy tale, heralded as a cross between the classic tales from the Brothers Grimm and the Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black, tells the story of a teenage girl who can see fairies and tries to solve a family mystery.

The 13 Treasures was pitched against eight other titles for the award, the winner of which is decided by book sellers and reading groups.

Miss Harrison, an editorial assistant at Oxford University Press, said she based the main character of her dark fairy tale on her niece, Tanya, now 16.

She said: “When I started the book she demanded a chapter a week, so it was a really good way to keep me writing.

“It feels fantastic to win the award. You try not to get your hopes up but it feels great to win.

“My partner is made up for me. He has been there through it all and is really, really pleased for me.”

Miss Harrison won £5,000 and her work will go on sale at all Waterstone branches.