Ashburton is to host its first ‘West Street Words’ literary festival next week.

Created by Leah Varnell, who previously ran the highly regarded Ways with Words Festival in Dartington, West Street Words celebrates books, ideas music and more.

The programme features national stars, including Natalie Haynes, Ian Shaw and Matt Harvey, along with local literary stars and musicians.

West Street Words was originally due to take place in October, but Leah was hit by serious illness and has instead produced this mini-festival, which takes place at Ashburton Arts Centre from December 11 to December 15.