New York Times Best-selling author - and former Uxbridge College student - Tony Lee topped the bill as special guest at the College’s Six Book Challenge celebrations.

Tony talked to a packed room about his two stints at Uxbridge College and his career as a graphic novel and screenwriter, and presented certificates to students who had taken the top spots in the Six Book Challenge. The writer, who grew up in Hayes, also shared the surprising fact that he hated reading at school and signed autographs to fans of his graphic novels – which include Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes, comics for Marvel and DC.

The Six Book Challenge was completed by 185 students which means that Uxbridge College will achieve the gold award, given to organisations where 150 or more readers read and review six books. The College’s celebrations were held to coincide with World Book Night, when books donated by the Reading Agency, which also runs The Six Book Challenge, are given away free to readers.

Suba Dickerson, Information and Learning Resources Manager, who co-ordinated the Six Book Challenge at Uxbridge College, said: “I am really delighted that so many students have completed the Six Book Challenge this year – this is a great achievement for the and to receive their certificates from Tony Lee was even more special. Without doubt the extra reading and writing involved in the Six Book Challenge helps with the exam success of our students.”

Each student who completed the challenge was presented with a World Book Night title by Tony, and the top performers and reviewers received special commendation.

The special winners were: Star Performer of the Six Book Challenge at Uxbridge College 2014/15: Sarah Ramnath –Budrun, A2 Academy student.

ESOL Review of the year: Sarla Malik, ESOL student.

Most riveting review of the year: Mohamed Hashi, GCSE English Student.

• For Tony Lee’s blog on his visit go to http://www.tonylee.co.uk/?p=1118#more-1118