OXFAM Bookfest is preparing to make its celebrated return this month with one of the heroes of modern literature making an appearance in Dorset.

The Oxfam bookshop in Shaftesbury will be making a huge contribution to the national Bookfest festival with a wealth of activities and events taking place across the fortnight in July.

It is also organising the ultimate opportunity to ‘meet the author’ on Saturday, July 17, in the shape of the highly acclaimed, world-renowned author Sir Terry Pratchett.

Best known for his phenomenally popular and long-running Discworld series of fantasy novels, Sir Terry Pratchett will be in the local Oxfam bookshop meeting fans and signing books.

Fans are encouraged to bring their own individual treasured copy, give a donation to the Oxfam bookshop and have their book signed by the creator of Discworld.

Also, on the same day, members of the public will be able to meet the Rev Lionel Fanthorpe, the popular television and radio presenter who has an enormous back catalogue of more than 250 books.

A selection of Rev Fanthorpe’s books will be for sale in the shop, which he will happily sign.

The Oxfam bookshop’s events won’t just be confined to the shop, expect to find yourself in the local Town Hall where you can listen to talks by an array of local personalities.

Sidney Blackmore will discuss William Beckford of Fonthill Abbey on Monday, July 12, while Julian Richards the archaeologist, writer and television broadcaster will hold a talk on Stonehenge the following day.

On Friday, July 16, Joe Hashman the local gardener and writer will talk about gardening.