HUNDREDS of people of all ages took the chance to get up close and personal to sci fi characters when a book festival was held in Devizes on Saturday.

Author David Johnson was delighted that more than 450 people were at the library for a children's book festival he helped organise.

Prop maker Luke Palmer caused a stir when he brought along a fully functioning DeLorean sports car customised to replicate the one from the Back To The Future film.

Among those taking the chance to sit in the car parked in Sheep Street was Mayor Jane Burton who opened the event.

Mr Johnson said: "The event was a great success and the library is very pleased with the level of turnout and support. The workshops were well attended and parents and children gave very positive feedback on how the event went.

"We will definitely be looking at holding a bigger and better event next year. We are now concentrating on next weekend where we have a line-up of good authors and will be announcing which school and children have won the writing competition.”

Mark Enright brought along some Star War-style droids that were a big success with young visitors. Many children took part in a fancy dress contest sponsored by Fancy Pantz costume shop while others enjoyed a talk on creative writing by Mr Johnson, one on creating cover art by Ian Ambrose and how to turn a book into a film by Mr Palmer.

Additional younger children’s writing activities were held in nearby Devizes Books.

Several local schools also submitted entries for a writing competition which will be awarded this Saturday when the second stage of the festival is held at Devizes Library starting at 10am.

This will feature talks by award winning authors Stuart Foster and Nicky Dee and a question and answer session with Mr Johnson, Devizes Books owner Jo Batchelor and several children’s authors.

To book places at any of the sessions, or for more information about the writing competition please contact the library on 01380 726878.