Book lovers have been flocking to the county town for Dorchester Literary Festival.

The festival, now in its fourth year, continues across the weekend until its final chapter tomorrow.

Among the familiar faces talking about their books have been Judy Murray, mother to tennis champions Andy and Jamie Murray, and crime writer Lisa Jewell, who was in a Crime Time event with fellow crime writers Mark Billingham and Dorchester resident and best-selling author Minette Walters.

Writers have spoken on subjects ranging from the last battle on the Western Front, to how pills are killing us, to how to motivate your children to be the best they can at sport.

Events have been held at venues around the county town, including Duke's Galleries in Brewery Square, Thomas Hardye School's theatre and the Corn Exchange in High East Street.

Paul Atterbury, the festival’s co-founder, said this year's festival has been the biggest to date.

He added: "Ticket sales are already up 20 per cent this year, and we’re thrilled that everyone clearly enjoyed the first day so much. It’s wonderful to be able to bring such a fascinating range of speakers to Dorchester."

Peter Hart, talking about his latest book The Last Battle, humanised the war through the thoughts of a soldier who worried that he might still be killed in a field of cabbages as rumours of peace spread.

Lynne Truss, the best-selling author of Eats, Shoots and Leaves, giggled at the fact that the 1951 Middle Street Massacre she invented for Brighton went on to become ‘fake news’. Lisa Jewell and Mark Billingham discussed how the victims need to claim centre-stage in the reader’s sympathies, and Judy Murray provided festivalgoers with a fascinating hour on her journey as one of the world’s top sports mums.

The festival has also welcomed Radio 2 favourite Jeremy Vine and TV newscaster Mark Austin.

Dorchester resident and Downton Abbey creator Lord Julian Fellowes shared his Desert Island Discs selection.

Dropping by today are best-selling contemporary author Joanna Trollope and Lib Dem leader Vince Cable, discussing his political novel Open Arms. Tomorrow, the festival pays tribute to Dorset's best known writer with a Thomas Hardy Walk, while budding novelists can find out how to edit the professional way with Helen Corner-Bryant. Animal lovers will hear the stories of The Travelling Vet with Jonathan Cranston and providing the festival with a happy ending tomorrow afternoon is journalist and broadcaster Peter Snow.

Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased online at dorchesterliteraryfestival.com or through the Tourist Information Centre, based in Dorchester Library.