A Sutton school librarian has been named the best in the country.

Glenthorne High School described Lucas Maxwell as “inspirational and charismatic” after he won the School Library Association’s 2017 Librarian of the Year award.

A ceremony was held in Worcester on Monday, October 9, where author and illustrator Chris Riddell presented Mr Maxwell with the prize.

“I’m very honoured,” Mr Maxwell said afterwards.

“I feel very fortunate to have such a great facility filled with amazing students and staff that makes working at Glenthorne High School such a pleasure.”

Mr Maxwell is a popular figure in the school known for organising unique library activities such as comic conventions and having Skype calls with acclaimed writers.

Glenthorne's headteacher Stephen Hume praised the librarian for his contribution.

He said: “Since Mr Maxwell joined Glenthorne four years ago, he has transformed the library into a hub of learning and developed a passion and love of reading in our pupils.

“Our pupils love the events he organises, particularly the visiting authors and Skype sessions with authors and poets on the other side of the world.”

Staff at the school were interviewed by SLA as part of the selection process.

Director of SLA, Tricia Adams, said: "Lucas is a worthy winner and shows that school libraries are successful champions of both books and technology.

“His library is obviously fun to be in and his ‘Poem in my Pocket’ initiative and ‘Open Mic’ events make the library a much loved centre in his school."

Mr Maxwell is a masters graduate in Library and Information studies after attending university in Canada before joining Glenthorne High School in 2013.