AN AWARD-WINNING author will speak at a York charity's first ever fundraising dinner.

Joanne Harris MBE is patron of the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), and will visit York to speak at The Grand Hotel and Spa in front of 100 guests, alongside spoken-word artist Imogen Davies.

Born in Barnsley, Joanne wrote the novel Chocolat in 1999, which was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche. She has written 15 more novels, published in more than 50, and became an IDAS Patron in 2015.

Joanne said: "I’m delighted to be able to support IDAS with this evening with a reading and Q&A about my books. I’ll be talking about my whole career, my new projects - and some old ones - and, for the first time in nearly 20 years, I’ll be reading from Chocolat."

Sarah Hill, CEO IDAS, said: "This will be our first ever fundraising dinner and we are very grateful to Joanne Harris for supporting the event.

"We support over 5,000 families each year through our outreach services, refuge accommodation and our helpline. We also work with children and young people helping them overcome the effects of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

"We feel we’re making a difference every day to the lives of those affected by domestic abuse. Each ticket purchased will help us to support more people."

Tickets cost £50 and proceeds will go directly to IDAS to help support people who have been affected by domestic abuse.

Tickets can be booked at joanneharrismbe.eventbrite.co.uk

*Anyone affected by domestic abuse or concerned for someone else should call IDAS on 03000 110 110 or the Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.