Preston author Andrew Michael Hurley 'amazed' by Costa prize success

The author of a Gothic horror story set in "menacing" Morecambe Bay has spoken of his amazement at winning a national award for his debut novel.

Andrew Michael Hurley's book The Loney beat four titles to win the Costa First Novel Award.

Speaking to Graham Liver on BBC Radio Lancashire, Mr Hurley, 40, from Preston, said: "It's amazing. It's been a good surprise in what has been a surreal 12 months."