ORGANISERS of Settle Stories Festival have received a welcome surprise.

Just days after their sixth festival came to an end, they have been contacted by acclaimed poet John Hegley, who said he was passing through Settle and would love to present an evening of poetry and stories with Settle Stories.

John is widely known as one of the country's most innovative comic poets with several best-selling volumes of poetry to his name. He is a regular sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival and has performed internationally including at the Montreal Comedy Festival, and with Ulrika Jonsson and Anita Dobson in The Pyjama Game.

Sita Brand, director of Settle Stories, said: "We simply couldn’t believe it when John got in touch. As soon as tickets were released, they started selling. Within 24 hours we sold half our capacity.

"So, we’re looking forward to a sell-out event with one of the county’s most popular contemporary poets."

The event will take place at one of Settle Stories regular venues, The Royal Oak, on Sunday at 7.30pm. To book remaining tickets, visit settlestories.org.uk (no booking fee) or the box office on 05603 845693.