Author King feeling better

First public appearance for King

The novelist Stephen King has made his first public appearance since being hit by a car in a near fatal accident almost a year ago.

Walking unaided to the stage at a New York night club, Mr King gave a spirited reading of a short story.

"It's nice to be here," he told the audience of about 300 people. "I'm not strong but I'm feeling better."

Mr King was hit by a van on 19 June while walking along the shoulder of a road in his home state of Maine.

The driver pleaded guilty but did not receive a jail sentence.

Long recovery

Long recovery for writer

The novelist is still recovering the accident.

He spends two hours a day, three days a week, rehabilitating from the injuries, which included broken ribs and broken bones in his right leg.

Mr King, who has already written more than 30 bestsellers, was one of several writers kicking off this weekend's inaugural The New Yorker Festival.

The literary and arts tribute celebrates The New Yorker's 75th anniversary.

Other celebrities, including Salman Rushdie, Alec Baldwin, Paul Simon and Kofi Annan, are taking part in the event.