THURROCK libraries will celebrate literary stars at this year's Essex Book Festival.

From Friday, 28 February to Tuesday, 31 March, more than 100 events for 300 writers and artists will be held in more than 45 venues across Essex as part of the annual festival. Thurrock will host three events in Grays, Corringham and South Ockendon.

On Saturday, 7 March, author Emma Robinson will visit Corringham Library at 10.30am to share her journey as a published author and read from her latest novel, The Forgotten Wife – a heart-breaking family drama with a twist. Pre-booking is necessary for this event, which is free but donations to Corringham Library are welcome. To book your place email: [email protected]

Thriller writer Mark Ellis, known for creating DCI Frank Merlin, will speak at Belhus Library on Monday, 16 March at 11am to talk about A Death in Mayfair. In the latest book in this series, Merlin investigates the deaths of two young women while encountering fraudulent film moguls and brutal gangsters along the way. Tickets to this event cost £7 (or £5 for those aged under 27 years old) and are available from the Mercury Theatre, tel: 01206 573 948, or online at essexbookfestival.org.uk

Thurrock's last event at Grays Library with author Lara Meiklem, author of Mudlarking – Lost and Found on the River Thames, has already sold out.

Cllr Deborah Huelin, Cabinet Member for Central Services and Communities, said: "The Essex Book Festival is a shining example of how our libraries play a vital part in bringing our communities together. It also creates opportunities for both national and local writers and artists to visit this borough and take part in one of the leading festivals aimed at celebrating books in all their forms.

"I would encourage Thurrock residents to book their tickets and get involved in one of the many events or workshops on offer. Tickets for Thurrock events can also be purchased from the hosting library."

For more information on the services Thurrock libraries click on the red button below.

The Essex Book Festival was first established by Essex County Council in 1999 before it became an independent charity in 2011.