MERE Literary Festival has attracted another full book of writing talent as hundreds of people enjoyed a busy programme of events.

Now in it’s 13th year, the festival, which ran from October 13 to 19, was a chance to join book discussions, hear from renowned authors, enjoy readings and attend a number of productions.

Louis de Bernières, who wrote the famed novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, joined musician Ilone Antonius-Jones for a concert on Saturday that combined music, poetry and amusement.

Mr de Bernières also attended Sunday’s award ceremony to talk about poetry and present the prizes to the winners of the poetry competition alongside fellow judges Mary White and Sue Ashby.

The winner in the open section was Norman Hodghton from Somerset with Peter Gillott from Mere, who penned Summer 1940, coming second.

In the local section Indranee de Silva from Frome was the winner with Colin White, from Mere, being named as the runner up for his poem Soldier of Misfortune.

Harvey Emby won the Grace Wines Memorial Prize for the best poem by a child living or going to school in Mere with Grand Slam 2009.

Other events included a talk by James Taylor on the Voyage of the Beagle, a discussion on Women in History, a film night screening The Young Victoria, a historical walking tour with a literary twist and a production of Florence – charting the life of Florence Nightingale.

“I was very pleased with how it went,” said organiser Adrienne Howell.

“It was nice that some of our local authors did so well.

“The events were quite well attended and I am very grateful for the support of all the authors and people who took part.”