A mother who set up her own publishing company after failing to find a publisher for her children's books has won a top literary award.

Jenny Album, 43, from Golders Green, said she was "shocked" to discover her title Tell Me About Heaven, Grandpa Rabbit! had won the gold medal in the Children's Book section of the prize at the Prima Baby Awards.

The former journalist and press officer published the book independently after being rejected by major children's book publishers such as Little Tiger Press and Bloomsbury.

"When I saw the other publishers on the shortlist for the award, I balked," she said. "Ironically, some of them had originally been offered my story in the first place, but rejected it.

"This proves how much easier it is today to do things by yourself."

Ms Album said she had written her book to help children understand bereavement.