Carole Blake is one of five new patrons for Chipping Norton Literary Festival. Other patrons include publisher Susan Lamb, illustrator Korky Paul, novelist Fanny Blake and comedian Graeme Garden, who join current patrons restaurateur Pru Leith, children’s author John Dougherty, crime writer Mark Billingham and novelist Sue Cook.

Carole Blake says: "I've enjoyed ChipLitFest every time I've participated, either in the audience or as a speaker: the whole town seems to join in the celebration of the Festival. The profit-share scheme is innovative and admirable, and I'm really honoured to be a part of it."

The Chipping Norton Literary Festival runs from 23rd-26th April 2015. The programme was released on 16 January.