Halliwell picks up children's book prize

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell has been named the top-selling children's author of 2008.

The 36-year-old has sold 250,000 copies of her Ugenia Lavender books so far this year.

According to WHSmith, the figure makes her the most successful celebrity author of the past few years.

"I'm so happy that everyone loves Ugenia as much as I do," she remarked.

Halliwell commented earlier this year that she has moved on from music and is happy to be a writer.