TOP author Bill Bryson is returning to Bournemouth University on May 11, for an evening of conversation and questions in aid of student scholarships.

This will be the first time that the UK-based American writer has been on campus since he received an honorary doctorate from the university last April.

Bryson, who penned Notes from a Small Island and A Short History of Nearly Everything, will share his experiences of writing and travel as well as previewing his new work.

The evening will feature a buffet reception and a book signing together with a prize draw for special items related to each of his books.

Bryson came to the UK in 1973 and worked as a journalist at the Bournemouth Daily Echo, The Times and Independent before embarking on his travel writing career which propelled him into literary stardom.

The evening is the second in a series of similar events at the university, which will see legendary motor sports commentator Murray Walker on campus in December.

He collected his honorary degree from Bournemouth in 1997.

Tickets for An Evening with Bill Bryson cost £15 with all proceeds going to support the university's alumni fund scholarships which aids worthy students in financial hardship. For more details call 01202 961044 or email conferencing@bournemouth.ac.uk

First published: March 28, 2006