A new award  set up in memory of Frances Lincoln is launched on Friday 4th July. DIVERSE VOICES will take positive steps to increase the representation of people writing from or about different cultural perspectives in Britain today. It will specifically promote new writing for children by or about people whose culture and voice is currently under-represented. The award recognises the importance of chiildren's books in shaping perceptions of the world and the contribution that books and reading can make to social and cultural tolerance.

DIVERSE VOICES will support the process of writing rather than promote publication. To this end the award will be given to a manuscript that celebrates cultural diversity. A monetary prize of £1,500 will be given to the winner plus the option for Frances Lincoln to publish the novel.

The panel of judges comprises Trevor Philips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission; Jake Hope, Children's Librarian for Lancashire Libraries; Geraldine Brennan, journalist and former Books Editor at the TES; Janetta Otter Barry, Editorial Director, Frances Lincoln Children's Books; Mary Briggs, Co-founder of Seven Stories.

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