LITERATURE lovers are set to flock to Keswick and share the pleasures of books, words and ideas with high-profile speakers at an exciting literature festival, writes James Williamson.

Thousands of visitors, from all over the country, are expected to head for the picturesque setting of the Theatre by the Lake this week for the Words By The Water event.

Developed by literature festival organisers Ways With Words, the ten-day event starts today (Firday, March 9) and will welcome more than 100 guest speakers.

These will include BBC newsreader George Alagiah, crime writer Reginald Hill, actress Anna Massey, politician Shirley Williams and novelist Victoria Glendinning.

Other speakers, such as ex-BBC journalist Michael Buerk, are planning an extended stay in Cumbria so they can climb Skiddaw, take a boat out on Derwentwater or listen to some of the other speakers, so don't be surprised if you spot a familiar face while out on a walk.

Indeed the president of the event is the Cumbria-born broadcaster and novelist Melvyn Bragg and he believes that books can change people as individuals.

Another speaker to watch out for will be the Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion, who will be reading a selection of his poetry at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 15.

For more information, or to book tickets, call the 017687-74411 or 01803-867373.