ACCLAIMED actor and great-great grandson of Charles Dickens is set to headline West Kirby's Literary Festival.

Taking place between 3 to 9 June, the event has been organised by The Wro's Wro Readers Book Club and Linghams Booksellers in Heswall.

Gerald Dickens will headline the festival and will bring his multi-award-winning one man show to Westbourne Hall on Wednesday, June 5.

He will treat audiences to Mr Dickens Is Coming - a heart-warming tale set on a train journey before turning a little darker in the second act as he performs the Sikes and Nancy murder scene from Oliver.

Gerald told the Globe: "The amazing thing is its almost 150 years to the day that Dickens first performed the Sikes and Nancy readings at the then Theatre Royal in Liverpool.

"The theatre is no longer there but apparently, it stood on the site of the LFC store in Williamson Square.

"It will be such an honour to be back in Merseyside performing the piece again in his honour."

Other guests performing at the festival include historical novelist Alison Weir, Leah Hazard, Blue Planet producer Dr Jon Copley and local bestseller Catherine Cavendish.

There will even be a specialist gothic horror panel chaired by Ramsey Campbell.

Wro owner Sally Boyd said: "Our Book Club has gone from strength to strength over the years and as we are just about to read our 100th book we decided we would like to do something to mark the achievement.

"We mentioned our initial idea to host a small literary festival to Sue Porter the owner of Linghams and she was so enthusiastic.

"She has done amazing things at Linghams so it seemed to make sense to join forces and plan something more substantial."

There will also be a 'bear hunt' for children to celebrate 30 years since the release of We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen.

Linghams' Sue Porter added: "When I heard about the Book Club’s plans I just had to get involved.

"Through our networks at Linghams I’m lucky enough to have access to some really inspirational authors.

"Once we started making enquiries the programme has grown to become a really impressive gathering."

West Kirby based Aesthetic Specialists SDS Rejuvenate are headline sponsors for the event.

Alongside the festival, the team have just launched a Short Story Competition for schools and adult writers.

For more information about the festival visit www.westkirbylitfestival.co.uk