COLUMNIST for The Times newspaper and former presenter of BBC Radio 4 s Today programme, Libby Purves, gave a sell-out talk on Thursday. The journalist, broadcaster and novelist spoke about Imperfect Parenting at Dame Bradbury s School in Saffron Walden.

COLUMNIST for The Times newspaper and former presenter of BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Libby Purves, gave a sell-out talk on Thursday.

The journalist, broadcaster and novelist spoke about Imperfect Parenting at Dame Bradbury's School in Saffron Walden.

Performing as part of the Saffron Walden Literary Festival, Libby Purves read from her classic book How Not to be a Perfect Mother and her latest novel Shadow Child.

She told the audience how important it was for families to share experiences - whether a family holiday, lunch, or just watching a television programme together.

She also said that even in a computer-dominated world, children would self-limit computer use if there were other things to do, like playing outside.

The next events in the Saffron Walden Literary Festival are: The Great Lover, a talk by novelist Jill Dawson on Thursday October 15, 8pm at the Baptists' Chapel.

Betjemanifesto with Gabriel Woolf, on Saturday October 17 at 7.30pm at Dame Bradbury's School Theatre, sponsored by Dame Bradbury's School.

And the Penguin Book Club event with authors Jim Kelly, John Preston and Jeremy Page, on Thursday October 22 at 8pm in the Baptists' Chapel.

For more information about the festival visit: www.hartsevents.tbpcontrol.co.uk