THE Taunton Literary Festival is now in full swing, following sell-out performances for Sunny Ormonde - in the character of Lillian Bellamy of the Archers - and Martin Bell talking about his new book on Cyprus.

There was also a large audience for the first talk with Vince Cable in his analysis of the current state of the economy and a fascinating talk by Emma Crewe on the anthropology of parliament by Emma Crewe with contribution from Martin Bell.

There's still plenty for festival goers to look forward to as the end of the first week of the festival approaches.

On Thursday, local author Barbara Bond, who spent many years at the Hydrographic Office in Taunton will be discussing her new book on the story of the escape and evasion maps used during the Second World War.

On Friday, Anthony Wilson will be talking about and reading from his book on lifesaving poems which grew out of his popular blog.

On Saturday morning, best-selling novelist Kate Lord Brown will be holding a historical fiction workshop.

There is also one change and one cancellation to report for that day, the Romantic Panel has been moved from the Castle Hotel at 2pm to Brendon Books at 6pm.

It will be minus Veronica Henry, but will now be a free event (though please let Brendon Books know if you are coming if possible).

The Douglas Hurd event which was to take place at 7pm has been cancelled through illness.

There are still tickets for the event with journalist Oggy Boytchev who accompanied John Simpson on many an international news story on Sunday 15, for Sean McGlynn's latest book on the Magna Carta on Monday 16, for the historical fiction event with Karen Maitland and Michael Jecks on the same evening and a crime panel of three chaired by bestselling author Chris Ewan on Tuesday 17.

For further information and to book tickets please contact Brendon Books at Bath Place, Taunton TA1 4ER 01823 337742 or visit the website at tauntonliteraryfestival.net