A World Book Day event brought a famous British author to the South Hams.

For the third year running, the World Book Day event returned, held at the Stoke Lodge Hotel.

Phillip Reeve whose novel ‘Mortal Engines’ is currently being filmed in New Zealand and produced by the infamous Peter Jackson who brought us the films of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, attended the event.

Annette Shaw who organised the day, was inspired by the World Book Night event which is celebrated on April 23, each year and run by The Reading Agency. This charity aims to inspire more people to read more, encourages them to share their enjoyment of reading and celebrate the difference that reading makes to all of our lives.

On Saturday, April 21, after a chatty coffee morning alongside music from Patrick Barton, there was an array of books for the usual free book exchange.

The event started off with two interesting talks from guest speakers Wendy Thorogood and Hilda Kalap who discussed different aspects of illiteracy and the important work of The Reading Agency.

Following this, Philip Reeve gave a fascinating talk and presentation, entertaining the audience with stories from his career, starting off as an illustrator and then a writer for teenagers and young adults.

Elizabeth Ducie, author of many books and short stories gave a talk followed by Holly Jones, owner of Manna From Devon Cookery School and author of the Wood Fired Oven cookbooks. Both authors covered all aspects of self-publishing, followed by a helpful question and answer session which was very informative for all the budding writers present.

The final speakers session brought an opportunity for several local writers to talk about their writing in five minute slots including Julie Archer, Merrilyn Williams, Dan Metcalf, Mary Mclarey, Jenny Kane, Rachael Kiddey, Margaret Barnes, Steve Stevenson-Olds, Rolf Soderlind and Ian Hobbs.

To finish the day there was a free raffle with books kindly donated by Jane Corry, Jenny Kayne, Elizabeth Ducie, Mary McLary and Richard Lappas. A presentation of thank you gifts were also handed to organiser Annette Shaw and MC Alan Depledge.