The annual Lakeland Book of the Year Awards, organised by Cumbria Tourism and famous Cumbrian author Hunter Davies, are now accepting nominations from authors and publishers.


The closing date for nominations is March 9 and the awards are open to any book relating to Cumbria published during the 2006 calendar year.


Now in its 23rd year, the competition allows first-time authors and established authors to receive recognition for their literary efforts.


Those wanting to enter should request an entry form from Sheila Lindsay at Cumbria Tourism on 015398 22222 or email slindsay@cumbriatourism.org


Entrants must send four copies of their book for the judges, headed by Hunter Davies, to Lakeland Book of the Year Competition, Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL.


The presentations will be made at a charity literary luncheon held on Tuesday, June 26 at the Low Wood Hotel on the banks of Lake Windermere.


The overall winner of the Hunter Davies Prize for the Lakeland Book of the Year will receive a cheque for £100 with a framed certificate. The winner of each category will also receive a cheque for £100 together with a framed certificate.


Last year's top prize went to first time author and head gardener of Levens Hall, Chris Crowder, for his book 'The Gardens at Levens'.


The book - illustrated by pictures taken by Lakeland photographer Vivian Russell - details the continued rise of the world-famous Topiary gardens at Levens, from its design in the 17th century by Guillaume Beaumont, who helped design Hampton Court Gardens, to the present day.