Saundersfoot-based children's author Eloise Williams is delighted to have been chosen to receive a Literature Wales Bursary this year.

One of only 25 writers from a choice of 144 entrants, she will be using this funding to work on a young adult novel set in Victorian Cardiff's theatre world.

Eloise said: "I like to write interesting stories about Wales for young modern readers. Things have changed so much and there are so many forms of entertainment for young people that books have to work really hard to keep up. I hope that my stories are exciting, thrilling and moving enough to keep young people reading for fun!"

Eloise's first book for children came out on World Book Day this year.

'Elen's Island' (ages seven-nine) is published by Firefly Press and is set in a fictionalised Pembrokeshire.

When Elen is sent to stay on an island with her estranged grandmother for the summer, she is furious and expects it to be completely boring, but things turn out to be a lot more exciting than she could have imagined. Who is the obnoxious boy on the beach? Why is her grandmother so secretive? And could the map she finds lead her to some brilliant treasure?

"I've had a great response to 'Elen's Island' and fantastic support from local libraries and schools," said Eloise.

Her second novel 'Seaglass' is being shown to publishers at the moment and she's very excited to see where it will be placed. A modern ghost story, it is set in Wiseman's Bridge and Coppet Hall and follows the story of Scarlett a 13-year-old who is part of a travelling community.

And she added: "Seaglass is very much based in my surroundings. This part of Pembrokeshire is so inspirational and atmospheric. There are stories waiting around every corner."

Elen's Island is available at Tenby Bookshop. See http://www.eloisewilliams.com">www.eloisewilliams.com for more information.