JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince has been named book of the year at the British Book Awards in London.

Rowling's sixth installment in the Harry Potter series beat off competition from the late John Peel, Jeremy Clarkson, Piers Morgan, Jamie Oliver and Sharon Osbourne to secure the award.

"I'm delighted that Harry Potter continues to give so much pleasure to adults and children, and I'm honoured to receive this award," said Rowling, 40.

Six Harry Potter books have been published with one more in the series promised by Rowling.

The books, which have been translated into 63 languages, follow the story of a boy wizard and his two school friends as they investigate magical mysteries.

In the US, there are nearly 100 million Harry Potter books in print, and each title has been on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.

JK Rowling: "I'm delighted that Harry Potter continues to give so much pleasure to adults and children, and I'm honoured to receive this award."

More than 300 million copies of the books have been sold worldwide.

During the ceremony there was success too for England cricket hero Andrew Flintoff, whose autobiography Being Freddie won in the sports category.

Kate Mosse's Labyrinth triumphed in the Richard and Judy best read category, while Sharon Osbourne won the biography award for Sharon Osbourne Extreme: My Autobiography.

The accolade for best popular fiction went to Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife.

Other winners included Marina Lewycka's A Short History of Tractors in the best newcomer category, and Martina Cole's The Take in the crime thriller category.

Actor, writer and playwright Alan Bennett was named author of the year, while the award for outstanding achievement was given to TV chef Jamie Oliver.

The British Book Awards were hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.