THE Bromsgrove group Words, promoting interest in the written and spoken word, has announced its programme for the year.

The main programme starts on March 1 with a talk from influential playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker.

John Mullan, the acclaimed academic who gives his perspective on Jane Austen, gives a talk on April 26.

On July 19 Michael Pennington will be giving a talk, while Dan Vyleta will be appearing at a Words event on September 6.

The organisations programme for the year finishes with an evening with the National Poet for Scotland, Liz Lochhead.

Individual events cost £12 to attend. Words organisers are reminding residents that if people sign up to Words, before the end of January, they can benefit from the discounted offer of five events for £40.

For more details visit bromsgrovewords.com.