A journalist who has moved viewers to tears with her heartfelt coverage of the war in Ukraine returned from the frontline to appear at Chipping Norton Literary Festival.

Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent, came to support a project close to her heart - a book of short stories collected from Afghan women, called My Pen is the Wing of a Bird.

Jenny Dee, festival director, said: "We were so privileged and amazed that she could come - she really wanted to be here. She stayed over, joined in our LitFest Quiz on Saturday night and had time for everyone she met in Chippy.  

"The event was a sell-out and entirely focused on these inspirational Afghan women and the uncertain future they are facing. The audience was truly moved."

Douglas Stuart, author of the Booker Prize-winning Shuggie Bain, also made the town one of his few UK dates on his tour with his next hotly-anticipated book Young Mungo.

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Shuggie Bain was inspired by his struggles growing up gay on a Glasgow council estate, his mother's struggles as she battled alcoholism and his relationship with his mother.

Mr Stuart went on to become a fashion designer in New York before winning the prize with his debut novel in his 40s.

Other highlights included events with high-profile authors Louis de Bernieres, Justin Webb, Monica Ali and Tessa Hadley.

Ms Lee added: “Despite having run ChipLitFest for several years, the 2022 festival felt like new territory because of the pandemic and not having had a festival since 2019.

"All but one of the 56 events went ahead and audiences couldn’t have been more enthusiastic - 3,000 tickets were sold, audiences from age two upwards.

"The festival committee is now exhausted but exhilarated, thanks to all the Chippy residents and businesses for their support and see you in 2023."