FLY BY NIGHT by Frances Hardinge, edited by Ruth Alltimes and published by Macmillan Children’s Books, has won the Branford Boase Award. Set in a vividly imagined alternative 18th Century, its cast of characters includes an orphan heroine whose best friend is a homicidal goose. Together they lead a revolution.

The Award Ceremony took place at Walker Books, Vauxhall Walk, SE11, at 6.30pm on Thursday 29th June. The Children’s Laureate, Jacqueline Wilson, who is a major sponsor of this prestigious award, attended, along with many of the previous winners.

On hearing of her success Frances Hardinge said: "As a first-time author, even being placed on the short list for the Branford Boase was unimaginably exciting. Discovering that I have won it has left me with an acute sense of unreality."

Read what Ruth thinks about Fly by Night.

Frances and Ruth both received a handcrafted African hardwood box in the shape of a book, inlaid with the BBA logo. There is also a £1000 cash prize for the author.

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A Highly Commended distinction was given this year to writer Sarah Singleton and her editor from Simon and Shuster, Venetia Gosling for Century. Read Sarah's reaction to winning the Highly Commended award.

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The Branford Boase Award is awarded annually for the most promising first novel to a first-time writer of a book for young people. At the same time, it marks the important contribution of the editor in identifying and nurturing new talent.

See the 2006 Shortlist