MARGARET Thatcher's most loyal lieutenant is to step in for her one last time at the Swindon Festival of Literature.

Ill health has stopped the former Prime Minister from speaking at the Wyvern Theatre on Monday, May 13.

Following a series of strokes, she has been told by her doctors that she must never speak in public again.

But now Sir Bernard Ingham, who fended off the questions of legions of lobby correspondents for 11 years, has agreed to step into the breach.

As the man who had the Iron Lady's ear for more than a decade, he is expected to give a unique insight into Baroness Thatcher's Downing Street years.

Festival director, Matt Holland, said: "He says he will have all the interesting information about her and plenty about himself as well.

"He's just coming to the end of writing his own book about those years, and he says it's all fresh in his mind.

"And he says he'll give us as many snippets as he's asked for during his time on stage."

Mr Holland said securing the services of Sir Bernard was almost as big a coup as securing those of Baroness Thatcher herself.

Sir Bernard travels extensively to deliver talks about his role in one of the most memorable periods in late 20th century history and politics.

He was known during his time as press secretary for his gruff response to questions from journalists, as well as for the no-nonsense Yorkshire image that some commentators claimed he deliberately cultivated.

Mr Holland added: "When Margaret Thatcher pulled out, we were tempted to leave the space blank, but then thought 'why not try for a replacement'?

"Among those we also considered were Portillo, Heseltine, Heath and Widdecombe.

"Out of the list, Sir Bernard came up, and he agreed to appear at the festival following a flurry of negotiations lasting three or four days."

Other celebrities lined up for festival appearances from May 1-13, include former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam, former Ofsted chief Chris Woodhead, and authors ranging from Terry Pratchett to Will Self.

Bookings for seats at Sir Bernard's appearance can be arranged through the Wyvern Theatre Box Office on Swindon 524481.

Copies of the festival programme are available free of charge at libraries, public buildings and branches of Waterstone's bookshop.