New Young Bond title is revealed

Higson is a long-term Bond fan

The title of the new Young Bond novel has been revealed as Double or Die.

It is the third book written by former Fast Show comedian Charlie Higson about the adventures of a youthful James Bond at Eton.

The first, SilverFin, became an immediate success when it was published in 2005.

The new title was chosen from three options by a nationwide ballot and was announced by Higson to Young Bond fans at a Waterstone's bookstore in London.

Double or Die sees the young Bond delve into the underworld of illegal gambling dens, Cambridge spies, East End gangs and tough Irish dockers.

Fans rejected two other titles also written by the author - Nemesis and The Deadlock Cipher.

Higson, who has also written thrillers for the wider market, has agreed to write two more in this series.

He has indicated he expects a film to be made at some point but not until the first five books are completed. The second novel, published in 2006, was called Blood Fever.

The family of James Bond author Ian Fleming have given their blessing to the series.