WHETHER they are keen bookworms or reluctant readers 2,000 youngsters from across the county will see books brought to life in front of their eyes.

For the seventh year Bookfeast will bring primary school pupils face-to-face with some of the country's most well-known children's authors and illustrators.

This year's festival, which was launched last week and will run from May 16 to 19, aims to inspire both keen and reluctant readers and develop reading habits across Oxford.

It will be held at St Hugh's College and will this year bring books to life with a cast of fun characters.

St Hugh's principal Dame Elish Angiolini QC welcomed local authors Joe Cotterill and Cas Lester to the college last week for the launch along with St Aloysius' Primary School children.

Dame Elish said: "St Hugh’s is thrilled to welcome young readers at Bookfeast, and nurture the budding students of the future.

"We hope to see them returning to the university to study."

The 2,000 children who attend will take part in workshops and be encouraged to create their own special characters in a fun and creative writing trail around the college gardens.

They will also have the chance to browse, buy and have books signed at the Blackwells stall.

Ms Lester will give a lively talk about her character Nixie, the bad, bad fairy.

She said: "I’m tremendously excited to be taking part in this year’s Bookfeast.

"St Hugh’s is the perfect place to hold a children’s literary festival."

Ms Cotterill, author of the superhero series Electrigirl, added: "I can't wait to be part of this fantastic festival."

Ms Lester and Ms Cotterill are among 20 authors and illustrators who will attend, including Michel Rosen, Abi Elphinstone, M G Leonard, Tom Moorhouse, Piers Torday, Clare Vulliamy, Polly Faber and Gary Northfield.

Bookfeast is based on the belief that reading for pleasure is the most important indicator of the future success of a child and that improvements in literacy can have a profound effect on an individual.

The event –run by the Oxfordshire charity of the same name – describes reading for pleasure as a 'magic potion which enhances emotional understanding and discovers the possibilities of the world outside our immediate environment'.

Bookfeast director Angie Prysor-Jones said: "We are extremely grateful that St Hugh’s College will host our annual event for the first time.

"This gives the children the opportunity to hear and meet some of the best children’s authors writing today."

Tickets for the festival can only be booked from primary schools and the programme will be sent out shortly.

For more information see bookfeast.net