Literary fans are set to tuck into meat and potato pie to celebrate the life of Bradford-born writer JB Priestley.

Following the success of last year's first ever Priestley Night, organisers are preparing to welcome enthusiasts from across the country for his 1999 birthday celebration.

Among the guests at Midland Hotel, Bradford, will be former deputy leader of the Labour Party Roy Hattersley - himself an author, and president of the JB Priestley Society - and the author's son Tom Priestley.

One of the JB Priestley Society's overseas members, Doctor Holger Klein of Salzburg, will miss the festivities as he is busy writing a book on Priestley's ever-popular novels.

During the evening, on Sunday, September 12, there will be short readings from Priestley's works as well as a mountain of the author's favourite dish, meat and potato pie.

Last year the fans welcomed the arrival of a huge meat and potato pie which was accompanied by the sound of pipers.

This year people are expected to travel from the length and breadth of the country and even abroad.

On the day before there will be a walk around Priestley's favourite area at Hubberholme followed by a recital at Hubberholme church.

The now annual event pays tribute to the author's birthday and the Bradford pie shop which he made famous with a radio broadcast in the dark days of the Second World War.

Priestley wrote: "Out of that pie came at any and every hour when the shop was doing business, a fine, rich appetising steam to make the mouth water even as the very window itself was watering."

Following the success of last year's event, guests will also dance to music by jazz veteran Gordon Tetley.

Anyone wanting tickets for the event, which cost £15, should contact the JB Priestley Society on (01943) 601565.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.