Sally Vickers, Dame Penelope Lively, Robert Goddard and Nicholas Evans heading to town in June

Organisers of the Sidmouth Literary Festival have unveiled a number of new events for its line-up as part of their plan to make the event part of the town’s social calendar.

Authors currently set to visit the town on June 10 and June 11 include Sally Vickers, Dame Penelope Lively, Robert Goddard and Nicholas Evans.

The event started last year as a joint venture between Kennaway House and Winstone’s independent book shop and has now formed a committee headed-up by volunteers.

Wayne Winstone, of Winstone’s, described the success that a similar festival has had in Sherbourne - bringing an extra 5,000 visitors to the town.

He said: “It hit the ground running. The events were spread over five days. It attracts people into the town and the local area.

“People came back to the festival each year and we were able to get bigger named authors.

“This is really positive for the town and is important to add to the social calendar in Sidmouth.”

The inaugural Sidmouth Literary Festival festival - Sun,Sea and Books - attracted big names including Terry Waite, Helen Lederer and Ann Widdecombe.

Author Jane Corry said that June’s festivities would be expanding into poetry.

Poets of all ages will be able to take part in a competition to win the chance to read their work at a Fringe Poetry event in Paragon Books.

Mrs Corry, who is about to publish her 16th novel, also holds writing workshops at Kennaway House as Sophie King.

She said: “I fell in love with Sidmouth. I have always wanted to live by the sea.

“Sidmouth is a ideal place for a festival.

“We want something to continue this wonderful literary legacy.”

The festival will also focus on budding writers looking for tips on how to get published.

Experts from the industry will be offering one-on-one sessions and a panel session over the two days.

Mrs Corry said that local author Linda Finlay started at one of her writers’ workshops and went on to receive a four-book deal with Penguin. The committee is also looking to bring some of the authors into schools.