AN AUTHOR who lives near Machynlleth has won a prestigious national award.

Mike Parker, won the Wales Book of the Year Creative Non-Fiction Award 2020 last Friday (July 31) .

Celebrating books across four categories as well as the Wales Arts Review People’s Choice Prize, the BBC Radio Wales Arts Show broadcast saw Literature Wales announce a total of six prize-winners including Mike.

A spokesman said: “On the Red Hill is the story of Rhiw Goch, ‘the Red Hill’, and its inhabitants, but also the story of a remarkable rural community and a legacy that extends far beyond bricks and mortar. On The Red Hill celebrates the turn of the year’s wheel, of ever-changing landscapes, and of the family to be found in the unlikeliest of places.”

Tiffany Murray, on behalf of the judging panel, added: “Wales Book of the Year needs to celebrate our literature more than ever this year.

“Our stories must continue, and support for Welsh writers must continue.”

Mike’s book is also shortlisted for a Wainwright Prize 2020 for UK Nature Writing. The winners will be announced on September 9.