MUCH-loved author and enthusiastic champion of teachers, Gervase Phinn, will be the special guest at a Celebration of Reading at Kendal's Queen Katherine School next week.

The former teacher, education adviser and school inspector is probably best known for his two best-selling autobiographical works, The Other Side of the Dale, and Over Hill and Dale.

On Monday, the author will read some of his own children's work to youngsters from Dean Gibson, St Thomas's, Selside, Castle Park, Heron Hill, Stramongate and Ghyllside primary schools, during three sessions at Queen Katherine School.

In the evening, he will be the guest of the Queen Katherine School Association, when parents and staff will have the chance to savour his wit and love of the written word.

Guests will also have the chance to pledge a book for the school's soon-to-be-refurbished library.