HEREFORDSHIRE writer Quentin Letts has been shortlisted for a book award which is chosen by members of the public.

The Daily Mail columnist, who lives at How Caple near Ross-on-Wye, has made it to the fiction section of the finals of the People’s Book Prize for his debut novel, The Speaker's Wife.

The book, which is partly set in Herefordshire, was released at the end of last year and is already on its second reprint.

The result of the national ballot, open to all, will be announced on July 12.

Mr Letts, 53, said: "To be nominated for anything is lovely but I am particularly cheered because this prize is not in the gift of the London elite; instead it is chosen by readers who have gone out and bought the book with their own loot.

"I have tried to do Herefordshire justice and to raise awareness of our beautiful country churches."

The book is about the Church of England and parliament. Mr Letts is a regular church-goer and is a churchwarden at How Caple church. His wife, Lois, is the organist.

Mr Letts added: "I don’t suppose I am meant to solicit support but anyone who has read the book and liked it can have their say online at the People’s Book Prize website."