Deeney wins Peake prize

TEACHER turned writer Anthony Deeney has been awarded first prize in the books category for Robots Like Blue at the 2016 Mervyn Peake Awards.

The author, from Springhill, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 13 years ago. The awards, organised by Parkinson’s UK, are in memory of the late Mervyn Peake.

Anthony, who was presented with his prize by Jane Asher, said: “It’s a great reminder that being diagnosed with Parkinson’s doesn’t mean that you still don’t have something to give. This award represents a professional recognition that I never expected, and is personally extremely rewarding.”