A microbiologist who runs sexual health seminars for Hackney teenagers has been presented an award for her book about puberty.

Joan Reid’s book – Girls, It’s Time For a Change – was picked for the Physical Development for Girls Award by publishing company 10-10-10.

Joan lives in Stoke Newington and went to Laburnum Primary School before attending Haggerston Girls Secondary School.

“I wrote the book as a gift to my teenage daughter, Taymah,” she said. “I couldn’t find one that gave a no-holds-barred approach to the subject of puberty and all the changes she would encounter as she entered that challenging time.

“It is rather encouraging to be recognised in this way and to know that something you have written has helped another person.”