BROCHURES and tickets are now available for the Word Magic Literature Festival, a celebration of reading and writing in Wiltshire between September 28 and October 5.

The festival will be launched on September 28 at Wootton Bassett library where popular children's author Michael Morpurgo will be giving a talk and book signing.

Other authors coming to Wiltshire include award-winning writer Beryl Bainbridge, Angela Huth, whose popular novel Land Girls was recently adapted for film, and Pamela Belle, romantic and fantasy novelist.

For children there will be Nick Arnold, author of the very popular Horrible Science series and Dick King-Smith, prolific and popular author of classics such as The Sheep Pig (made into the hugely popular film, Babe).

Other events include a prize raffle to find children's favourite desert island book, a creative writing competition, a Mystery Book in Bag promotion to win book vouchers and free book orders from Wiltshire libraries.

Sarah Hillier, Wiltshire County Council's festival co-ordinator, said: "We hope the festival will inspire people to explore their reading choices as well as purely enjoying the opportunity to meet working authors and joining in the general fun.

"All children's events are free and adult events are low cost (maximum £3.50)."

Word Magic brochures and tickets for events are available through Wiltshire libraries and other outlets, or view events at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/events