Some of Britain's leading children's authors are in Winchester for the ninth Wessex Children's Book Fair.

The event, at the Winchester Guildhall, is one of the biggest fairs of its kind in the country and, last time round, attracted thousands of visitors.

Children from all over the county have had the opportunity to meet some of their favourite authors and ask them questions about their writing and inspirations.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the event is open to the public and six top writers and illustrators will be there to sign books and talk to their fans.

Anne Finne, the Children's Laureate, will be there. Children's authors, Allan Ahlberg - Please Mrs Butler poetry, Jacqueline Wilson - Dustbin Baby and Mum Minder, Michael Morpurgo - Why the Whales Came, Colin McNaughton - Preston Pig picture books and Nick Butterworth - Percy the Park Keeper - will also attend.

The fair is organised by Hampshire Library and Information Service and booksellers, P&G Wells, and supported by all the major children's publishers. It will be open from 10am to 4pm and admission is free.