Price causes outrage over book award

Katie Price has sparked outrage after being nominated for a best children's author award.

The glamour model made the shortlist for the WH Smith's Children's Book of the Year Award for Perfect Ponies: My Pony Care Book.

However, the Society of Authors has complained that the book was not her own work as she penned it with the help of a ghostwriter, reports The Times.

Chocolat writer Joanne Harris said: "This book winning would be depressing beyond anything."

Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring, added: "I'm shocked. I'm amazed the publishers even put the book up. If it's ghostwritten then it's inappropriate that it should be shortlisted. I am disappointed by the judges."

But Price's publishing director Mark Booth hit back: "I don't see what the fuss is about. It's no different to the way the recordings of The Monkees were done."

The award will be handed out at the Galaxy British Book Awards next month. Previous winners include Roald Dahl, Philip Pullman and Raymond Briggs.