WORLD-FAMOUS author J.K. Rowling has appeared at a literary festival in North Yorkshire.

The Harry Potter author has recently published her second crime novel under the name, Robert Galbraith.

Her appearance was the fastest selling event in Harrogate International Festival’s 50-year history with a sell-out 978-strong audience.

Demand for tickets for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival came from all over the world and sold out in just 90 minutes with some fans camping overnight to get their hands on tickets.

The audience was able to listen to her in conversation with fellow crime writer, Val McDermid.

J.K. Rowling said: “I'm thrilled to have appeared at the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival for many reasons, foremost of which is to have shared a stage with a true master of the genre, Val McDermid. It is a particularly fitting venue for Robert's first appearance because part of The Silkworm is set in Harrogate and its environs.”

The Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, which was established in 2003 by Val McDermid and Harrogate International Festivals, has grown into the world’s biggest celebration of the crime genre.