JK Rowling wins British Book of the Year award

British author JK Rowling poses with a copy of her book 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince'.

LONDON - JK Rowling's latest teenage wizard tale - "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" - has been named Book of the Year at the British Book Awards.

Rowling, whose sales have topped 300 million worldwide, was able to reassure young readers around the globe that the final book in the Potter saga was on target.

"I am enjoying writing the last book in the series and it's coming along nicely," she said.

Rowling fought off an eclectic band of authors to land the prize - they included Sharon Osbourne for her autobiography and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver for his book on Italian cooking.

- REUTERS