The Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation along with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs has named Lucinda Spurling and David Chapman the winners of the 2009 Doreen Lightbourn/Lionel Pearman Award.

Ms Spurling's documentary mini-series, 'The Lion and the Mouse', narrated by Michael Douglas, focused on the historical relationship between Bermuda and America over the past 400 years, featuring interviews with historians, archival footage, and dramatic recreation. The series was screened at the Bermuda International Film Festival, winning the festival's audience choice award.

Mr. Chapman won his award for his book 'Daddy And I Explore... Nonsuch Island! The Living Museum', the third book in a series about a father and daughter. The series is designed to not just educate youths about the history of the nature reserve, but works as a field guide, encouraging young people to explore the local environment.

Mr. Chapman, a former environmental science teacher at the Berkeley Institute, is conducting PhD research in renewable energy and energy security in London, England.

The Doreen Lightbourn/Lionel Pearman Award is named after two writers of The Workers Voice, the Bermuda Industrial Union's bi-monthly newspaper.

The award was announced in February by Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler to honour projects which focus on Bermuda's history and culture, rewarding recipients with $1,000.