AUTHOR Peggy Harris will give readings of her debut book for the next lead up event to the Chagword Literary Festival in March.

'Life of a Dartmoor Scrapyard: The Early Years' tells the story of Peggy's life growing up near Chagford on the Lettaford scrapyard owned by her father, Sam Harris.

Sam, whose reputation spread far beyond the bounds of Dartmoor and who is remembered with affection among the community, died in 1988, so it might be easy to think that's where the story ends. But nothing could be further from the truth — the scrapyard may be a mere shadow of its former self but quite the opposite can be said of Peggy.

This book recalls her struggle to move on into adulthood and to make a life for herself and her daughter Clare in the face of great adversity.

The event will also include a short film by Chris Chapman who has illustrated the book with photographs. Peggy will be available to sign copies of the book.

Tickets to the event in Chagford's Jubilee Hall on Thursday, February 12 at 7.30pm, cost £6 to include a glass of wine and are available from Jo Diffey on [email protected]">[email protected]

For details of the full festival programme and how to buy tickets visit http://www.chagword.com">www.chagword.com