PD James and Joanna Trollope are just two of the famous names who will be in town for the first Knutsford Literature Festival.

As the festivals full nine-day programme was published this week, organiser Joan Leach said: We are going to have to buy a sold-out rubber stamp.

The festival will be launched on September 23 by a representative from sponsors SSL International.

Highlights include a Cranford Walk around Knutsford and Joanna Trollopes talk to visitors at the Royal George Hotel.

PD James will make an appearance on Crime Day and there will be a talk by Tatton MP Martin Bell, whose book An Accidental MP is also due to be published this year.

And fans of Knutsford author Mrs Gaskell will be able to chat to Andrew Davies who was responsible for the BBCs adaptation of her novel Wives and Daughters.

Among local supporters of the festival are Knutsford Town Council, Martin Bell, the Knutsford Guardian, Knutsford Business Enterprise and Jardines bookshop.

Last week Knutsford Business Enterprise spokesman Alec Guthrie said it would be a great event for the town.

It is a tourist attraction and I am sure something good will come from it, he said.

The programme of events are available from Jardines, the Heritage Centre, the Toft Road Tourist Information Centre and Knutsford Library.