FORMER BBC correspondent Martin Bell will lead a literature festival line-up in Saffron Walden. Words Around Britain, the seventh literature festival organised by Harts Events, takes place throughout March. The line-up includes independent MP, Mr Bell, po

FORMER BBC correspondent Martin Bell will lead a literature festival line-up in Saffron Walden.

Words Around Britain, the seventh literature festival organised by Harts Events, takes place throughout March.

The line-up includes independent MP, Mr Bell, political commentator and former Radio 4 news quiz chairman, Simon Hoggart, and Gervase Phinn.

Festival director, Jo Burch, said: "I know people expect us to recommend everyone to buy their tickets early - event organisers always do - but there were so many people who left it until the last minute during our October festival and were then desperately disappointed that they couldn't get to see Carol Ann Duffy and Libby Purves.

"If they don't want to miss out this time, we really do suggest they book their seats as soon as possible."

Also invited to the festival are children's author and poet, Kevin Crossley-Holland, award-winning naturalist Colin Tudge, social historian Maureen Waller, and former Wisden editor and FT columnist Matthew Engel.

"Our theme of 'Words Around Britain' has allowed us to invite speakers who will, we hope, bring to life the best (and worst) of both historical and contemporary British life," added Mrs Burch.

The full festival programme can be seen at www.hartsevents.co.uk

Tickets are available online, by phone 01799 523456 or in person from Harts at Shire Hill and from the Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre.

Copies of the programme can be found at various outlets in Saffron Walden.