Author's chat tops festival bill

Dame Wilson will come to Lanarkshire to take part in a book group event

One of the UK's most popular children's authors, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, is to take part in an online book group event with youngsters in North Lanarkshire.

The Chatterbook session is part of a programme of events unveiled for the region's annual book festival.

This year, a special arts festival aimed at young people, called Works 2009, will run alongside the reading and writing events.

Other authors appearing include Will Self and Janice Galloway.

Readings and workshops will begin on 29 September and take place throughout the month of October.

Dame Wilson, who wrote the books which inspired the BBC television series Tracy Beaker will come to Lanarkshire to host an online discussion with members of the Chatterbook groups that meet in local libraries.

'Busy calendar'

The Works festival promises to offers a mix of music, literature, dance, visual art, drama and film sessions aimed at young people aged 3-18 years.

Councillor Jim Logue, North Lanarkshire Council's convener of learning and leisure services, said: "October is shaping up to be a great month for culture in North Lanarkshire.

"Our two festivals really offer something for everyone. It is testament to North Lanarkshire's growing reputation that we can attract these calibre of artists and performances in a busy festival calendar."

All events at the two festivals are free and a full programme can be obtained from any local library or on the council's website.