MORE than 50 youngsters enjoyed storytelling in Corfe Castle for the children's launch of this year's Purbeck Literary Festival.

Young people of all ages, their families and friends joined in the fun of the event held in the Castle View Visitor Centre today for the third annual festival, which runs until Saturday, February 27.

Guided walks, novel workshops author talks, a life drawing class and a comedy night are just a few of the planned events in the festival diary for adults.

Meanwhile children will be able to learn while having fun at book signings, drawing activities and a charity storybook launch to learn how to be safe around dogs at venues across Purbeck.

Emma Fernadez, the Purbeck Literary Festival's organiser, said that the children's launch was a great success.

She added: "It was lovely.

"We had 45 Beavers from Upton turn up at 11.30am on Saturday and the visitor centre was rammed. We also had kids come along with their parents and grandparents.

"There was storytelling from Martin Maudsley, who is a Dorset-based folklore expert and brings along a ukelele. He made up a story about Corfe Castle and gets all the kids involved, which is great to see.

"It was a really nice benchmark for the start of the festival and hopefully we will have packed audiences for music, comedy and best-selling author events."

Asked why she runs the festival, Emma said: "It was set us as we are losing the tradition of storytelling as people have Kindles and iPads now. We aim to have something for everyone, so it's not just about books as we have walks, art and films as well.

"It also encourages people to explore the area and perhaps visit somewhere that might not have seen before."

For more information and to book a place at one of the events, go to Purbeckliteraryfestival.info