Festival for all writers and readers WORD Market stages its third writers and readers festival from February 4-13 with plenty for literary lovers.

The festival is a celebration of the work undertaken by Word Market and its member groups during the past year, inspiring as many people as possible to put pen to paper, pick up a book, or sit back and listen to some of the best new writing around.

Among the events will be Writers' Day (Sunday, February 13, at Ulverston's Lanternhouse, 10am-4pm) where new writers can gain valuable insights courtesy of author George Green; and A Poem and A Pint, also at Lanternhouse (February 12, 7.30pm), features award-winning poet Jo Shapcott.

There will be lots of opportunities for local writers to take part in the festival.

The poetry master class with Wordsworth Trust poet-in-residence Helen Farish is upstairs at Ulverston's King's Arms on Monday, February 7 (7.30pm); and Readers' Day on Saturday, February 12 (10am-4pm), at Lanternhouse, with Man Booker Prize short-listed author Sarah Hall, promises to be fun and insightful for readers of all types of books.

For a free copy of the festival brochure or more information about any of the new projects, training and performance opportunities, log on to www.word-market.co.uk or telephone Linda Graham, Word Market project co-ordinator, on 07834-150523.

More details and photographs next week.