MEMBERS of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival group have hailed this year’s event as a glowing success.

The weekend-long programme of talks, poetic readings and performances, took place last month.

Committee member Elizabeth Cummings, of Fore Street, Budleigh, said: “Considering it is such a young festival and has only been running for two years, it is going so well.”

The 2010 event opened on Friday, September 24, with appearances from author Ian Mortimer and writer Jeremy Musson amongst others.

On Saturday, highlights included author Hilary Mantel and on Sunday there was an all-day book fair in the Masonic Hall.

People interested in starting their own book could also attend creative workshops, which took place throughout the weekend.

Elizabeth said one of her favourite moments from the festival was the appearance of poet Carol Ann Duffy.

She also praised author Kathy Lette and Sir Christopher Meyer, an ex-press secretary for former Prime Minister John Major, who both spoke at the event.

Elizabeth said: “Susan Ward, our artistic director, deserves a lot of credit for arranging such speakers to come along.”

She added: “There was a great buzz in the town over the weekend and I think the festival helped traders with their businesses.

“The event is something that is growing year on year. The first festival we didn’t know what to expect and how the town would respond but the reality is it’s going from strength to strength.

“As soon as tickets went on sale this year the tourist information centre was inundated with interest.”