A successful book festival launched in Maidenhead this year is looking ahead to a new chapter.

Maidenhead Community Book Festival held the inaugural Maidenhead Big Read in March, reaching more than 3,000 members of the local community. Now plans are afoot to host an even bigger event next year - thanks to a £1,000 donation from building company Persimmon Homes North London through its Community Champions project.

Spokesperson Helal Stephan said: “The aim of the festival is to encourage reading and foster the love of books. This year, we worked with local primary schools and included a whole host of events and activities, including story-telling, visits by authors and illustrators, interactive events, reading groups and pop-up book shops.

“All the events were free for the local community and nearly 3,000 people took part, attending 32 planned events supported by more than 40 volunteers.

“We plan to hold a similar but more extensive Maidenhead’s Big Read Festival in March 2020. Therefore, we need greater funding and are very grateful to Persimmon Homes North London for its support.”