THE first-ever York Readers' Day will take place on Saturday, March 22, at York Theatre Royal.

The event has been organised by City of York Council's library service and the Read-Write-York literature development project.

High profile authors appearing at the event will include Jane Gardam, Tim Lott and York-based crime novelist John Baker.

Book lovers will also be able to enjoy panel discussions, author workshops, reading groups and a reading fair.

David Cooper, literature development officer for City of York Council and co-ordinator of Read-Write-York, said: "It is wonderful that we have managed to attract a panel of such high-profile authors, all of whom have very different styles of work.

"It should be a great day to celebrate books and we are most grateful to everyone at the Theatre Royal for their support with this event."

For ticket information for the event phone David Cooper on 01904 552838

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, March 11, 2003