The director of Ilkley Literature Festival has assured residents the event is staying put in the town, despite its rapid expansion this year.

David Porter has also revealed Ilkley will host an international event dedicated to the life and works of the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes next October.

Poets and academics will gather in the town to celebrate the life of the poet, one of the patrons of the Ilkley Literature Festival.

Festival director David Porter said the two-week event would be "very high profile" with several surprises in store.

"I think it will be an event of national and international importance," he said.

And as the Ilkley Literature Festival's 25th anniversary celebrations draw to a close this weekend Mr Porter reaffirmed the festival's commitment to retaining its base in Ilkley, despite successes with festival events elsewhere in Yorkshire, such as Bradford.

Benjamin Zephaniah headlines the festival finale - Stand Up and Deliver, at the Craiglands Hotel on Sunday.

Mr Porter said: "It has been a fantastic year. I would say about 90 per cent of the things we have tried have come off. One of the major aims of this 25th anniversary year was to try and secure an audience for the next 25 years."

A survey has been carried out to see if the event has been successful in broadening its appeal. "We don't have the results in yet but I think we will see success in terms of attracting younger people to these events and becoming more interested in literature," he said.

Part of the plan to attract a younger audience was the appointment of Amy Young to head the festival's Outreach section. Mr Porter said: "We very much hope to continue with the Outreach work throughout next year."

Amy has enjoyed a very busy year, organising everything from performance poets and Pop TV to setting up sports journalism courses for budding writers at Leeds United's Elland Road stadium.

Mr Porter said he was delighted with the number of sell-out events throughout the year and with the appearances of familiar names and the not so familiar.

Funding is vital to the future success of the festival. "Obviously we have had the Lottery money (more than £80,000) for this year but we will need to find other sources for 1999," he said.

Following the Stand Up and Deliver event, which also features The Rommi Smith Band, Raabtha and Ian Duhig, an exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary will be held at the Manor House Museum.

Mr Porter said: "Having had so many events this year, I think it is important to have some breathing space. Hopefully, by organising a big event for October, it will allow people time to build up their enthusiasm once again."

For more information call Ilkley Literature Festival on (01943) 601210.

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