JK Rowling honour

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has been honoured by the city where she created her world-famous wizard books.

The writer was selected to receive the Edinburgh Award, which last year went to fellow writer Ian Rankin, creator of the popular Rebus series.

A panel of judges from the fields of arts, business and science unanimously voted Rowling as the 2008 winner.

The award was presented at a ceremony in Edinburgh. Rowling said it was “an absolute honour”.

The author, who has sold 400 million books worldwide, said: “Edinburgh is very much home for me and is the place where Harry evolved over seven books and many, many hours of writing in its cafes.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost George Grubb said: “She is a tremendous asset to the city, not least for her writing prowess but also for her philanthropy and the vast amount of support she gives to numerous charities.”

BBC News

In more JK Rowling related news…

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has donated £1m to the Labour Party, the party has announced.

Ms Rowling said she was motivated by Labour’s record on child poverty and opposed a Conservative plan to give tax breaks to married couples.

Her donation will boost Gordon Brown as he tries to calm unrest among party members at Labour’s annual conference.

Mr Brown said he was delighted to have the backing of “one of the world’s greatest ever authors”.

JK Rowling, whose fortune was estimated at £560 million in this year’s Sunday Times Rich List, is known to be a personal friend of Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah.

The Labour party has seen a surge in funding from private individuals, who donated a total of £3.8m between April and June.

Other high-profile donors to have contributed this year include comedian Eddie Izzard, who gave almost £10,000, and Steve Lazarides, graffiti artist Banksy’s dealer, who gave £120,000.

BBC News