A North Yorkshire woman who wrote her first book at the age of 17 has won an award for her work.

Hannah Russell has been announced as “Yorkshire Author of the year 2023” by the Yorkshire Prestige Awards.

She first began writing about her miniature Shetland pony Little Alf when she was just 17. The Little Alf series of books has now been sold all over the world and published in many languages. Standing at just 28 inches high Little Alf has a regular blog where his adventures feature online.

Hannah, now aged 26, has had 19 books published and runs a visitor centre based at her home in Masham.

In the past few years she has also written several other books, all featuring her animals.

“It’s lovely to receive such a fantastic award," she said. "There are so many creative and great writers in Yorkshire, I feel really proud to have received this.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Author Hannah Russell announced as Yorkshire Author of the year 2023’ by the Yorkshire Prestige

“I’m really lucky to have built a life I love and share within my fictional stories and very grateful to all the readers across the globe.”

With a large global following online, Hannah often visits schools and groups to talk about her journey as an author.

Later this year Hannah will be formally presented her award at the Yorkshire Prestige Awards.