A BIGGAR woman has been named as a finalist at this year's Romantic Novelists' Association's (RNA) annual awards.

Helen McAlpine is a finalist in the Narrator of the Year category for her work recording audiobooks for romantic fiction.

After graduating from Queen Margaret University College in 2001, Helen has worked in theatre, television, radio and voiceover.

She said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award.

"Recording audiobooks is a great pleasure of mine, finding the characters and telling their stories and making them as honest and truthful (and funny) as they can be is hugely rewarding.

"I’m genuinely over the moon to have been nominated and to have made the shortlist is a real honour."

Some of Helen's most recent work includes providing the voices of Peaches and Mama Jones in Netflix's Ridley Jones (UK edit), and Pinkie, Boo Whale, Black Cat and Ruby in the new series Mumfie.

The RNA Awards have been held for the last eight years and recognise the work and talent of individuals, groups and organisations which champion the romantic fiction genre.

There are 10 categories at the awards, including Library of the Year, Cover Designer of the Year, and Editor of the Year.

Laura James, organiser of the RNA Awards, said: "I congratulate each and every finalist and thank them and the industry for the unwavering love they show writers and readers of romantic fiction."

The winners at this year's awards – which are sponsored by ProWritingAid – will be announced at the RNA's Winter Party and Industry Awards Ceremony, held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London on Friday, November 11.