OTLEY Courthouse is preparing to hold a week-long celebration of the written and spoken word.

The first Courthouse Words, running from Sunday, February 28 to Sunday, March 6, will feature talks, creative writing workshops, short plays, a spoken word contest and more.

Building upon the foundations that were laid by Otley Wordfeast, the festival is being described as "an extravaganza of words in every form including poetry, prose and scripts", with something for all ages.

The Courthouse is acting as the hub for the event, which will include:

*A workshop on how to get your writing transferred from Page to Screen, with film experts from Leeds Trinity University, on Saturday, March 5

*A one-to-one Writers' Surgery for aspiring authors or poets with local poet and writer James Nash, also on March 5 (writing for which should be pre-submitted by Friday, February 26)

*A Friday, March 4 performance of short plays by local playwrights about where they call home - part of a project promoted by 'the national theatre of new plays', Paines Plough

*A chance for younger readers to meet award-winning author Emma Reeves at a Children’s Book Night, also on March 4.

Courthouse Centre Manager Rachael Savage said: "We are thrilled to be launching 2016 with Courthouse Words.

"Bringing in new audiences and getting more people to experience books, theatre and spoken word events is at the very heart of what we try to do.

"Hopefully we will see many new faces at Otley Courthouse during the event who will, over time, become more regular visitors."

Other attractions will include a talk to Jacqui Honess-Martin about her work with West Yorkshire Playhouse, and a performance from the international award-winning performance poets, Leeds Young Authors.

Fans of intrigue, meanwhile, should enjoy Super Sleuths - a classic murder mystery evening arranged to celebrate the 89th anniversary of Agatha Christie's first Miss Marple story.

Throughout the week the venue will also be exhibiting a series of photographs entitled My Favourite Book, featuring shots of local residents reading their favourite literary works.

And a spoken word poetry competition at Korks Wine Bar will help wrap the festival up on Sunday, March 6.

For details on all the Courthouse Word events, or to book a place, visit otleycourthouse.org.uk, call (01943) 467466, or pop into Courthouse.