A FORMER Pussycat Doll turned children’s author and a Gruffalo came to Trowbridge for the town’s inaugural book festival.

More than 250 schoolchildren piled into Trowbridge Library on Wednesday for a talk and a dance with singer Kimberly Wyatt.

The former Pussycat Doll has written the World Elite Dance Academy series of books featuring dancer Andre.

She invited a group of lucky youngsters on stage to dance with her, including nine-year-old superfan Caleb Davis, who said the Pussycat Dolls were his favourite band, and won particular praise from Kimberly for his dancing skills.

“Kimberly is an incredible person, we are so lucky to have had her. She sent the place wild,” said child and youth librarian Tracy Hager.

The 10-day Trowbridge Book Fest opened at the Town Hall last Thursday, National Poetry Day.

Eight primary schools enjoyed a session with poet Dawn Gorman and a story with a Gruffalo.

Jo Beale of Town Hall Arts, which organises the festival, said: “This is the first time we have done this and so far it has been an enormous success.

“There is a real buzz about the town and it is not finished yet. said Jo Beale at Town Hall Arts.

“We have had some fantastic things for people to enjoy, such as free workshops, talks, meeting international authors like Chris Vick and Kimberly – it is just brilliant.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without Awards for All, who gave us a grant to put the book festival on.”

“Our tagline was to exercise your mind and I think we have succeeded in making children understand just how interesting, exciting, aspirational and creative reading is. Everyone wants this back in 2018.”

People can exchange their secondhand books at the Town Hall until the festival ends on Saturday.