St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature took place on Saturday, with around 800 book-lovers attending talks and workshops with illustrious authors at venues around the town. 

Highlights included appearances by AF Steadman, author of the Skandar and the Unicorn Thief series, and children’s writer Sufiya Ahmed.

Organiser Simon Pollard, headteacher of Cornwall Education Learning Trust, said: “The festival achieved what we dreamt and got hundreds of people talking about reading and enjoying books right in the centre of St Austell. 

“There was such a buzz around the town, both in and out of the venues.

“It made my heart sing to hear all the book talk and comments. One little girl said, ‘This is better than Christmas and my birthday,’ before sitting down to read her new book. The volunteers need the biggest vote of thanks, as they were amazing at getting everybody in the right place at the right time. Everyone agreed that we have to do it again next year.”

St Austell & District Soroptimists held a book giveaway at the Market House on Saturday. 

“We were delighted to be visited by so many children who enthusiastically hunted through our piles of books to find their favourites,” said Jennie Walker. 

“We were able to share over 1,000 books which catered for all ages, birth to teens, and are proud to have enhanced a love of reading in our local children.”