A BEST-selling novelist and literary expert is joining the staff at University College Worcester next term to promote the "craft of writing".

Helen Carey, whose best-known works include the Lavender Road series and On a Wing and a Prayer, will be offering workshops on essay writing, planning and structure.

The move is part of The Royal Literary Fund's scheme to involve top authors with colleges, such as UCW, where there is a strong interest in enhancing writing skills.

"We welcome the arrival of Helen and recognise the creative skills she brings and the value they have within an environment such as ours," said Professor David Green, UCW's principal.

"Writing well is a gift we do not all share and I'm sure Helen will make a valuable contribution, both at UCW and in schools and the local community in and around the city."

Mrs Carey has taught creative writing at Bath University as well as in Greece with the world-famous author Louis de Bernires.

"The main aim is to make writing fun and to give people the confidence to express themselves effectively," said Mrs Carey, who was educated at Oxford University, and will join UCW in September and remain for a year's attachment.