HE'S a former high-flying Tory politician who these days is every bit as well known for his series of 'great railway journeys' for the BBC.

So where better for Michael Portillo to be putting in an appearance when he comes to York for the York Literature Festival next March than the National Railway Museum?

As well as his series of British and continental great train journeys for the BBC, Portillo has also had a go at becoming a 'single mum' for TV. He's a regular on BBC1's This Week and Radio 4’s The Moral Maze, and has also carved out a name for himself in print, as a weekly columnist in The Sunday Times and theatre critic for The New Statesman.

He'll be in York to tell the story of his extraordinary career, from his rise in politics, to his charity and arts work and more recent TV career.

At the end of the evening, there will be a chance for the audience to ask questions.

York Literature Festival director Miles Salter said it was a real privilege to be able to welcome such a prominent figure to next year's festival.

"We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the National Railway Museum for this special event," he said. "I'm sure many people will want to hear Michael Portillo talking about his life in politics and his passion for train travel. It will be a festival highlight for 2016."

Michael Portillo will be in the Station Hall at the National Railway Museum from 8pm on Friday March 11, 2016, as part of the 2016 York Literature Festival. Tickets £18.50 from the York Theatre Royal box office on 01904 623568.

The 2016 Festival runs from 10th - 23rd March, with events at venues across York city centre.