THIS year’s launch of the Meet the Author season at Kennaway House, Sidmouth, takes place on Thursday, February 27, with Simon Hall, the TV Detective author and well-known correspondent for BBC TV’s Spotlight, as its guest speaker.

During the evening the 2014 programme of speakers will be announced and tickets for these will be on sale, together with Simon’s books, which he will be available to sign.

There will be a West Country theme to this year’s event, with a number of more local writers invited, together with some nationally-renowned authors.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and the £10 tickets, available from the Kennaway office (01395) 515551, include a glass of wine and plate of canapés.