PEOPLE of all ages are being urged to rediscover Hardy at a series of special events this summer.

From Thursday, Dorset County Council's library service is running the Hardy County Read', a month-long celebration of the acclaimed writer, who was born in the county and set many of his books here.

A range of events is also being lined up to encourage people to find out more about the author, his books and the county that inspired him.

The library service has teamed up with Penguin Books to mark the paperback publication of Claire Tomlin's biography of Thomas Hardy - A Time-Torn Man.

To mark the publication, copies of Hardy's popular novels such as Tess of the D'urbervilles, Jude The Obscure and Far From The Madding Crowd will be made available in libraries and bookshops in towns and villages across Dorset.

Louisa Symington of Penguin Books said: "I am thrilled to be working with Dorset County Council on the Hardy County read.

"The tremendous hardback sales of Claire Tomalin's Hardy biography in Dorset showed how much he is loved in the county.

"The paperback publication is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Dorset's most famous son and his work."

Josie Hickin, literature development officer for Dorset County Council, said: "Dorset is the Hardy county and this is a chance for people to appreciate what that means. Whether by reading his work, visiting local Hardy landmarks or simply admiring the landscape."

Events The county will be hosting a range of Hardy-inspired events for adults and children including: n Storywalk with Tim Laycock on Saturday. He will walk people alongside the River Stour stopping for traditional Dorset tales along the way. The walk will end with a picnic at Sturminster Mill.

n Norrie Woodall, the last surviving member of the Hardy Players, will be interviewed by film director Julian Fellowes at Dorset County Museum - Monday, July16.

n Family Day at Hardy's Cottage - July 7.

Cabinet member for adult and community services, Councillor David Crowhurst said: "The events are a perfect opportunity for people to reacquaint themselves with Hardy's work and also to introduce the author to a whole new generation of readers.

"I'm sure the events will be great fun and will be enjoyed by all those attending."

For details visit the Penguin readers group website www.penguin.co.uk /readers or www.dorsetforyou /libraries