A storytelling and children’s beach hut book swap will be opening on Budleigh Salterton seafront next week.

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival will be running the story sessions at 11am every day from Saturday, May 27 until Thursday, June 1 as part of Budleigh Salterton’s annual Gala Week.

Both the book swap, which will be open from 9am until 5pm every day, and the storytelling will take place at the first beach hut on Marine Parade.

Sue Briggs, chair of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming young people of all ages to our very special beach hut. All they need to do is bring a book they have loved and swap it for one they would like to read. It'll be packed with books other children have enjoyed. What better way to share a love of reading!

“Weather permitting, we’ll also have free drop-in storytelling sessions at the beach hut at 11am every day.”

The activities are part of Budleigh Salterton’s charitable activity, which is focused on encouraging children to develop a lifelong love of reading. The organisation also takes authors into local schools, as well as regularly bringing well known children’s authors to the town as part of its dedicated festival families’ programme. Famous names from the past include Michael Morpurgo, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, MG Leonard and Michael Rosen.

Last year, to support families who were struggling with the increased cost of living, it offered free family events and tickets from just £1. Its Mini Marquee was buzzing with drop-in events to celebrate 70 years of children's books, with craft, games and bookish fun.

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival takes place from September 20-24 this year, with the line-up announced in July.

For more information, visit www. budlitfest.org.uk