Young Achiever Award, Sponsored by Aston University - Rayner Tapia
Rayner is a rising star.

Her life experiences have prompted her to pursue a career she realised is so passionate to her. She describes the events of the last ten years as "very difficult" during which her father, "who meant the world to me", passed away. Following the birth of her third son, she wanted to write about the greatness of a father and the love between a mother and her sons, without being too melodramatic. This was as well the difficulties that life brings along with various people and tribulations it meets along the way.

She started by writing children's poems and short stories. Today, she is a fully-fledged author and has been recognised locally, nationally and internationally for her series of short books, written both in English with some Latin prose. Her books include The Adventures of Tom McGuire, The Bard of Typhoeusina and Morkann's Revenge. She is frequently called upon to conduct booksigning for her fans.

In June this year, she was hosted an Author table and presented her books for nomination 2010 at the RedHouse Children's Book Awards ceremony held in Birmingham. A former IT lecturer/Analyst, Rayner is currently in the process of completing four more books. Watch this space...