THE ever-changing moods of the River Wharfe have inspired a group of local writers to take to the stage at Ilkley Literature Festival Fringe.

Ilkley Writers will be presenting a collection of short stories under the title ‘What Lies Beneath’ at Ilkley Playhouse at 9.30pm on October 8.

Stories range from tales about the ancient river Goddess, Verbeia, to myths and legends of selkies and kelpies. There will also be modern-day accounts of hermits, pirates, fading rock stars and lost children.

Group leader, Andrea Hardaker, said: “The writing group started in March 2014 and threw themselves right into the deep end by applying to take part in the Festival Fringe six months later!

"We attracted the biggest ever recorded audience at the Festival Fringe, with our event Dark Tales Form Ilkley Moor attracting nearly 100 people. We hope to see them again this year – and anyone else who wishes to come along too!”

Alongside the writers’ stories will be a silent film produced by multi-talented writer, Alex van Zomerplaag.

Andrea said: “Alex’s film of the local landscape is well worth a view and went down a treat with audiences last year.

“Once again, his film really captures the mood of the river and the stories we have written about it.”

Ilkley Writers meet at Outside The Box café on the last Thursday of every month. Contact Andrea Hardaker via andtuck@hotmail.com for more details.