THE largest literary festival celebrating library services across the region will return for its fourth year this week.

Crossing the Tees Book Festival will include a range of events and workshops hosted in Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Hartlepool throughout June.

The festival is programmed entirely by libraries in each Tees Valley town with support from Arts Council England and their respective councils.

Highlights from the 2017 celebrations include a meet and greet discussion with Julian Norton, the star of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, and international bestseller Sophie Hannah will discuss her latest psychological thriller novel.

A spokeswoman for the festival said: “Middlesbrough-based writer and poet Andy Willoughby will be presenting his poem Between Stations and there will be plenty of opportunities to chat to local and international writers to get some top writing tips.

“This year the festival has introduced an official Writer in Residence, a role which will be filled by Tracey Iceton.

“Tracey, a former teacher and now full-time author from Teesside, will be hosting a range of writing workshops, as well as posting regular blog posts on the festival’s website, and she will be offering advice to budding authors who are wishing to take their first steps into the world of short story writing.”

The literary celebration between June 9 and June 24 will also run its first short story competition when would-be creative writers will be invited to pen a story based on a Crossing the Tees theme.

Tickets for all Crossing the Tees events can be bought from the ARC Media box office off Dovecot Street, Stockton, or by calling 01642-525199.

Alternatively, visit arconline.co.uk or crossingthetees.org.uk