THE LINE-up for the Penarth literature festival has officially been announced.

And the event will feature authors from all over the UK speaking on subjects ranging from crime to cookery and from cricket to country life.

There will be Welsh story telling for pre-school children as well as a whole host of stars.

Opening the festival on October 2 Penarth's own actor and writer Dick Johns will read from his collection of short stories exploring the ways we all attempt to hold on to our dignity.

The award-winning short story writer's show at Chapter earlier this year was a sell-out.

His reading will take place at The Waterloo in Penarth starting at 7.30pm.

On October 3 at Penarth Athletic Club, renowned sports journalist and cricketer Steve Jame will be in a conversation entitled The Art of Centuries with Mark Frost, of Cricket Wales. The pair will explore the history of the cricket century and the mental and physical efforts required to reach them.

The following day, crime writer Harry Bingham will be in conversation with M.R. Hall at Holm House.

On Wednesday, October 5 at All Saints Church, Jonathan Hicks , author of the recent' The Welsh at Mametz Wood, The Somme, 1916,' and esteemed local historian Phil Carradice will talk about great battles of 1916 in the centenary year of one of the most dramatic and historic years associated with the first world war.

Add in a whole host of workshops, teen nights and classic film, the festival promises something for everyone.

Mel Griffin of Griffin Books said: "I'm delighted to be part of the team organising this year's Penarth Lit Fest, which has a bigger and better line up than ever before, with events to suit all tastes.

"We hope that Penarthians will give the festival their full support and join us in celebrating literature in all its forms."

The festival runs until October 9.

The full programme of events can be found online at www.penarthlitfest.org.uk or by picking up a brochure from Griffin Books and around the town.