SECURING an appearance by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy has been described as a major coup for the organisers of Bewdley Book Week.

The week-long festival of writing is only in its fifth year but the appearance of the internationally recognised wordsmith this September marks a step-change in its growth.

Carol Ann Duffy will perform her work in a distinctly informal setting in tandem with traditional music from Worcester-based band Bitterroots.

There will also be support from Malvern-based poet Michael Woods at the show on Friday, September 11 at St George’s Hall, Bewdley.

Tickets cost £12 and are available at bewdleybookweek.org.uk or online at 0845 607 7819.