The Great British Bake Off's Mary Berry with Kate Norbury at Kennaway House as part of the 'Meet the Authors' events last year. The line-up for 2013's programme will be announced next Friday. Photo by Terry Ife ref shs 8046-26-12TI

Acclaimed after-dinner speaker Sally Sedgman will be the guest at the launch of this year’s Meet the Author evenings at Kennaway House.

Sally, known as ‘The Lady that Launches’, will be on hand with organiser Kate Norbury to announce the programme for this year’s talks on Friday, February 15.

In the past the events have attracted big names such as Julian Fellowes and Mary Berry, and organisers say only a few tickets remain for the night.

Former radio broadcaster Mrs Sedgman, who lives in Wiggaton, has strong links with Sidmouth, having been great friends with the novelist and playwright R F Delderfield’s daughter, Veronica.

Her time as an air hostess formed the basis of a character, also called Sally, in Delderfield’s novel Under an English Sky.

Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start, for tickets call into Kennaway House or call on 01395 515551.