Inaugural book festival kicks off

Author Philip Pullman will read extracts from his books

Literary stars Philip Pullman and Jacqueline Wilson are set to headline the first ever Dundee Literary Festival.

During the two-day event the authors will also receive honorary degrees from the University of Dundee.

Philip Pullman, author of the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy, and Children's Laureate Jacqueline Wilson will both read from their novels at the festival.

The event will also feature local talent and advice for would-be writers.

Anna Day, festival director, said the city's rich literary heritage made it a natural choice to hold the new event.

She said: "This is the first year and it is always a gamble as you just don't know if people will want to attend the events.

"But it has been great, we've got schools coming from across Scotland to see Jacqueline Wilson and we've had ticket requests from customers as far away as Manchester and London."

The popularity of the festival has resulted in some events being moved to larger venues with the university's Bonar Hall now being commissioned.

Other attractions include a creative writing workshop and an appearance by Orange Broadband prize winning author Alice Greenway.