SOME of the country's top authors are to visit the region as part of The Northern Children's Book Festival.

The event, which is in its 21st year, runs in Middlesbrough from today to November 20 and gives youngsters the chance to meet the faces behind their favourite books.

Steve Weatherill, author of Baby Goz books, will be at Berwick Hills Library from 9.30am today, before holding a session at the Sure Start Centre, Hemlington, from 1.30pm.

Tomorrow, Livi Michael, who writes for the seven to 11 age group, will hold sessions at Easterside Library at 9.30am, 11am and 1.30pm.

Children from Breckon Hill, Abingdon and Ayresome primary schools will visit Middlesbrough Central Library from 9.30am on Thursday, where author Eric Maddren will play his didgeridoo.

Poet Nick Toczeck will perform at Middlesbrough Theatre at 10am and 1.45am on Friday.

Sue Mayfield will visit Kings Academy next Monday and the picture book author will join a Sure Start session at Easterside Library on Tuesday, November 16.

Illustrator Korky Paul will entertain pupils at Brambles Farm and Pallister Park primary schools later next week.