READING fans were treated to a wide range of events as part of the sixth annual Ryedale Book Festival at the weekend.

Highlights included a visit by the new Children’s Laureate, Lauren Child, who made a return visit to to Malton to introduce her new Charlie and Lola picture book. Other events involved writers ranging from Val Wood, a winner of the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction, to bestselling authors Susie Steiner and Gail Honeyman.

Fans of horse-racing were able to meet international bestselling author Felix Francis, son of jockey Dick Francis, at a special event held at Malton’s jockey rehabilitation centre, Jack Berry House.

Felix was celebrating the release of his new thriller Pulse and after his talk the audience were invited to join a tour of the centre’s facilities. Proceeds from the event will be shared between Ryedale Book Festival and the Injured Jockey’s Fund.

As well as the diverse programme of adult events, there was also plenty for younger readers, including book readings and craft workshops.

Sarah Tyson, festival coordinator, said: “The event ran really smoothly and we were delighted how far people had travelled to hear our guest speakers.

“The Austentatious evening was particularly popular on Friday night. Everyone said how much they had enjoyed it which is a fantastic response. They were clever and very funny.

“I am so proud of what our team of volunteers achieved. Everyone worked really hard and pulled together with support from local community such as Malton Flower Club, volunteers at Malton Library, the Old Lodge and Talbot Hotels, the Milton Rooms, Kingfisher café and local churches.

“It is the community spirit that our guests and visitors remark upon. People kept telling us what a lovely town Malton is and of course we agree. Everyone festival we try something different and learn along the way to make the next even better.”

The next Book Festival event is on Friday, October 6, at 7pm in the Milton Rooms, celebrating song writing and poetry with folk trio The Mile Roses and performance poet Mandy Coe.

Tickets are available online at ryedalebookfestival.com