JK ROWLING has received an award for her work to try to save the world's forests by ordering that her last Harry Potter book was printed on "green" paper.

The Edinburgh author was awarded Canada's Order of the Forest during the final stop of her Open Book Tour in Toronto.

There are now 16 publishers around the world printing millions of the Harry Potter books on eco-friendly paper. The last book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is considered the most environmentally friendly in publishing history.

The Deathly Hallows became the fastest selling book in history on its release in July, selling more than 11 million copies in the first 24 hours in Britain and the US.

In the UK, publishers Bloomsbury ensured the book was printed on 100 per cent ancient-forest friendly paper. It is estimated that the use of eco-friendly paper has saved at least 197,685 trees.