An innovative literature project in Bradford - which spawned the first national book lovers' conference - has scooped £26,000 to carry on for another two years.

Based at Bradford Central Library, Reader2Reader was set up three years ago and was initially funded by the National Lottery.

This year its running costs have been included in the library's base funding.

Project co-ordinator Tom Palmer said the cash guaranteed a packed programme of top writers coming to the city.

And he said the scene would 'explode' in autumn, with Louis de Bernieres, author of the bestseller Captain Correlli's Mandolin - recently turned into a smash film - and many other big names appearing.

He said: "We are at the forefront of literature promotion and the fact we've been given this money is proof we're getting it right.

"We have lots of events planned and we hope to take them out of Bradford to other areas of the city."

A non-fiction reading group is also planned.

Mr Palmer is appealing to companies to back events, including the Literature Live leaflet which is distributed to bookshops, libraries and cinemas, featuring literary events.

The project created a number of initiatives which have been copied in other towns and cities.

Mr Palmer has spoken to library bosses throughout the country about setting up reading groups, and a book lover's guide to the Internet has been sold to numerous libraries.

Robert Walters, of library support services, said: "We are absolutely delighted and it makes a huge difference to have somebody with Tom's expertise and ability to bring big names to Bradford."

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth (Con, Ilkley), executive member for libraries, said: "It's obviously very important that we encourage people to learn the pleasures of reading and no doubt the organisers will continue to attract prominent authors to Bradford."

l Literary expert Gerard Benson will be talking about the life and work of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning at The Platform, Central Library, tonight, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3 (£2) on the door.