The Ilkley Literature Festival has announced the appointment of its new director Rachel Feldberg.

Ms Feldberg, who has a 15-year background in arts project management and theatre, is a writer and freelance consultant. She began work with the Festival on January 7.

Ms Feldberg said: "I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to work with one of the country's best literature festivals.

"I've been a keen festival-goer over the years so this is my chance to give something back".

In addition to the Festival's impressive line-up of some of today's top authors, the new director already has plans to offer events and workshops for children and young people at this year's festival, which runs from October 3 to 19..

"We've already got lots of ideas for this year's festival from reading groups to workshops so keep a look out for us," said Ms Feldberg.

Ilkley Literature Festival Chairman, Simon Ashberry said "We're delighted to welcome Rachel to the team.

"She has a wealth of experience in the arts and we're confident that this year's Festival, which sees us celebrating our 30th anniversary, will be one of our best yet."

Miss Feldberg's appointment follows the resignation of Dominic Gregory the former director who left during last year's event, leading to a few raised eyebrows.

But festival staff insisted that the timing of Mr Gregory's leave taking made sense because of the date he had been given for starting a new position.

Mr Gregory landed a job working for the literary estate of best selling children's author Roald Dahl.

The Ilkley Literature Festival is the oldest and largest event of its kind in the North of England. Since it began in 1973, the festival has consistently attracted world-class authors. Ted Hughes, Philip Larkin, Anthony Burgess and W.H Auden have all made appearances at the festival.

Among the authors who appeared at the 2002 festival were Louis de Bernires, Ann Widdecombe, A. S. Byatt, John Simpson, Ian Rankin, Tracy Chevalier, Iain Banks, Blake Morrison, Carol Ann Duffy, Max Hastings and Matthew Parris.

The full programme of events at this year's Ilkley Literature Festival will be available by early September. For further information on the Festival call (01943) 601210.