|PIC1|Renowned Christian author and speaker Adrian Plass announced the three winning titles of the 2008 UK Christian Book Awards to a packed audience at the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) at Sandown Park in Surrey on Wednesday.

The ceremony - which has become an increasingly popular, bi-annual event - was attended by many of the short-listed authors and publishers as well as some of the 14,000 conference delegates, many of whom had voted in the awards.

The awards went to Philip Yancey for best 'Christian Living' (Prayer. Does it make any difference? Published by Hodder & Stoughton); Richard Taylor for best Biography (To catch a thief, published by New Wine); and the winner for the children's/youth title went to Jonathan Brant (yp's Guide to knowing God, published by CWR).

Richard Taylor was present at the ceremony to receive his prestigious award. To catch a thief was described by fellow former convict-turned-Christian, Jonathan Aitken as, "Colourful, powerful, authentic... This is a remarkable spiritual journey."

Taylor, who is also well-known as a TV presenter of his own series and makes regular TV guest appearances, is now Associate Pastor of Renewal Christian Centre, Solihull.

He said of the award, "I am both delighted and humbled to have won such an award, especially as there were some very strong contenders in the biography category - Selwyn Hughes and Baroness Cox to mention a couple. And, of course, a very big 'thank you' to members of the public for voting for my book."

Jonathan Brant, winner of the Children's/Youth category with his title yp's Guide to knowing God, said of his victory, "When I wrote this title, I dedicated it to a good friend, Gerry Cuña, who loved to guide young people into the joy of knowing God. I think Gerry would have been delighted with today's awards."

Although the third winner, Philip Yancey was unable to attend Wednesday's event, his Award was collected on his behalf by Wendy Grisham, Director of Publishing at Hodder Faith.

She said, "I know Philip will be truly thrilled when he learns - very shortly - of this award, especially as it came from votes from those who love and buy his titles - the general public."

"It was a privilege to have been asked to present the awards today with my wife, Bridget," said Adrian Plass, whose title Sacred Diaries of Adrian Plass has sold over a million copies. He continued, "And with such a high-quality of entries, I'm glad it was the public that had to make the final choice, not me, as it was a tough one!"

The next UK Christian Book Awards - which are sponsored by Speaking Volumes - are scheduled for 2010, with entries being sought later next year.