Adventurer Alastair Humphreys will be sharing with tales of his one man cycle around the world – a feat described by Sir Ranulph Fiennes as “probably the first great adventure of the new Millennium”.

Local authors will also feature in the programme, announced at a launch event last night.

Chester-born young writer David Whitely will be sharing his thoughts about his fantasy children’s book, The Midnight Charter.

New writers from the North West and North Wales, some featuring on Waterstones’ New Voices list of 2009, will be a focus of the festival.

A whole day of circus-themed events will take place on Saturday, Oct 10, with children’s workshops provided by Chester-based drama group 2Engage and interactive circus stories with Scilla Thomas.

Actress Margaret Eddershaw’s one-woman show tells the story of how modern circus began, while Australian poet Katherine Gallagher will read a range of circus poems.

Now in its 21st year, the festival runs over two weeks in October every year and takes place, with events held in the unique and historic venues of Chester.

THE Shell Chester Literature Festival runs from October 3-18. Further details and tickets at www. chesterfestivals.co.uk