TWO of Britain's best known war authors will headline a county wide book festival as part of the region's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

Durham Book Festival, which released its 2016 line-up today [Wednesday], will run between October 7 and October 16.

More than 60 events will take place during the festival, which features author Anthony Horowitz, comedian David Baddiel, Labour politician Alan Johnson and journalist Owen Jones.

One of the highlights will be an evening with Michael Morpurgo, who wrote the acclaimed novel War Horse and Durham author Pat Barker, whose war novel Regeneration is this year's Big Read choice.

Around 3,000 copies of the book will be distributed for free to schools, libraries and shops in County Durham.

Political highlights will see Owen Jones talking about the need to reorganise society to help workers, and Laura Bates exploring feminism, everyday sexism, and her new book Girl Up.

Festival favourite Alan Johnson will also be talking about Westminster and his job as an MP.

Anthony Horowitz, famous for his Alex Rider novels, will appear on October 12 to talk about his new crime novel Magpie Murders.

Neil Foster, Durham County Council cabinet member, said: “The Durham Book Festival is just one example of the many and varied cultural offerings we have here in Durham.

“The festival has gone from strength to strength over the years and it is a delight to see that the wide range of authors appearing is, once again, a star-studded line-up of local favourites, national treasures and new talent.”

There will also be many events running for children, with a key aim of the festival to encourage children to read more.

David Baddiel will talk about his new children’s book, while Lisa Williamson, author of What is Normal, will talk to transgender writer Juno Dawson about tolerance and diversity.

A children's production of musical Hey Presto! will also be touring County Durham with live music, magic tricks and humour.

The festival will also feature 15 pop-up mini libraries across the county, which people will be able to borrow and lend books from.

They have been designed by the Cree group at Greenfield Arts Centre in Newton Aycliffe, and volunteers from Locomotion in Shildon, who have taken inspiration from landmarks including the famous doors of Durham Cathedral to come up with the quirky spaces.

The festival is seeking to replicate last year’s success when 17,000 people participated in over 60 events.

For the full schedule and to book tickets visit www.durhambookfestival.com.