JK ROWLING - ROWLING SCOOPS ANOTHER POTTER AWARD

British author JK ROWLING has been handed a $56,000 (GBP35,000) prize in Spain for inspiring children to read.

The Edinburgh-based writer was awarded the PRINCE OF ASTURIAS CONCORD PRIZE for helping children of all races and cultures discover the joy of reading.

As well as the cash prize, multi-millionaire Rowling will be presented with a sculpture by Spanish artist JOAN MIRO, donated by Spanish heir PRINCE FELIPE OF ASTURIAS.

The jury poured praise on Rowling - whose latest tome HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS was released this year (03) - saying she encourages kids to "find in Harry Potter's fascinating adventures a stimulus for imagination and creativity".