ALCESTRIANS will have their pens poised for the first town writers' festival this month.

The event, organised by producers of The Bear Flag magazine, will start on Thursday, October 16, with the Teddy Awards Party.

This will be at the town hall at 7.30pm and teddy bear prizes will be given to winners.

On Saturday, October 18, an authors' book signing will be held in Church House from 10am-1pm with John Bunting, Bill Bayley and Melvyn Amos.

On Saturday, three talks will be held in Malt Mill Lane Community Centre.

The first is at 2pm by Mary Rose Mayfield, then at 3pm a talk about Jane Eyre will be given by Peter Bolt and at 4pm a talk on writing for profit will be given by Bob Hill.

On Sunday, October 19, there will be a writers' service at St Nicholas' Church from 3-4pm.

Bear Flag editor Bill Bayley (pictured) said: "The service readings won't necessarily be serious but they will all have a spiritual resonance."

Tickets for the Teddy Awards evening are £4 from Mr Bayley on 762841.