ESSEX Book Festival has announced that author Gillian Darley will be leading one of its 'Out and About' events at St Peter on the Wall Church in Bradwell.

Gillian's book 'In My Steps: Radical Walks in Essex' follows on from her success with 'Excellent Essex' and includes a focus on the Dengie Peninsula.

St Peter on the Wall Church is one of the oldest buildings in England and a closer look at its history will be included in the event, which is part of a series of more than 100 varied events across more than 40 locations in the county in this year's Essex Book Festival.

Also happening in Maldon district will be an appearance and talk by novelist Naomi Ishiguro, showcasing her debut novel 'Common Ground'. This is currently planned for Maldon Library on 12 August.

Full details of the dates and timings of all events in the festival, which runs from runs from 1 June through to 29 August, as well as a downloadable brochure, will be available when tickets go on sale online for all events, this Thursday (29 April) at around 10.30am.

Events will be a hybrid mix of on foot, in person, and online.