TWO top authors were announced as the first patrons of the Essex Book Festival by organisers on Friday. Prof Germaine Greer and Francis Wheen both live in Essex and have taken part in the festival in the past. County Cllr Iris Pummell, cabinet member for

TWO top authors were announced as the first patrons of the Essex Book Festival by organisers on Friday.

Prof Germaine Greer and Francis Wheen both live in Essex and have taken part in the festival in the past.

County Cllr Iris Pummell, cabinet member for community services, said: "We are delighted to have both Germaine and Francis lending their support to this fabulous event."

The festival will be coming to Dunmow on March 21, 2007, when genealogist Nick Barratt from television's Who Do You Think You Are? will visit Helena Romanes School.

Writer and broadcaster Germaine Greer is regarded as one of the most significant feminist voices of the

20th century. Francis Wheen is a writer and journalist.

Tickets for this event will be on sale from January 8, 2007 priced at £4 and £6 each. Full more details check out www.essexbookfestival.org.uk