TV presenters Richard and Judy and Fern Britton will be some of the stars appearing at the first Looe Literary Festival to be held next month.

Billed as a 'celebration of thought, inspiration, stories and words', the festival on November 13-16 will see internationally-known authors and speakers rub shoulders with local authors in venues around the town.

The long weekend of events will include a talk at the Millpool Centre from Eden founder Sir Tim Smit, followed by actress and 'When God was a Rabbit' author Sarah Winman.

Presenter Fern Britton will discuss her life, career and novels and take questions from the audience during one of the festival's headline events.

On the Sunday, Richard and Judy will be in conversation, interviewing one another about their novels and what gives them inspiration to write.

As patrons, the couple have given their full backing to the new literary event for Looe right from the outset, said organiser Amelia Pruen.

'Richard and Judy have been truly amazing in their support for the festival,' she said.

'Their support to our local community is invaluable.'

Much of the festival line-up is free, and with workshops, poetry readings, children's storytime sessions and talks on a range of topics, there will be something for everyone, says Amelia.

'If you fancy a pint by a log fire, go and see John Manley in The Salutation, with an amazing story of innovation and invention by "The Last Great Cornish Engineer, William West",' she said.

'At the Guildhall, Gloria Burland will talk on titillating historical romance.

'Beautifully Looe, with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, wildlife author Derek Spooner and photographer Lisa Woollett, will be a talk on nature and conservation.

'The author of Sextant, David Barrie, will speak about transatlantic passages and history's great sailors – and we even have an intriguing "Make Your own Knickers" talk.'

Sunday will finish on a controversial note with a 'Farmageddon' talk at St Nicholas Church. Author Philip Lymbery, CEO of Compassion in World Farming, will discuss the major issues in farming and food production today.

For a full line-up and further details on the festival visit http://www.looeliterary">www.looeliterary festival.co.uk