Writer, broadcaster and entertainer Pam Ayres MBE is set to embark on a new tour of theatres and literature festivals.

The tour, which starts in September and includes a performance at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, is centred on the promotion of her latest book, 'Going Doggedly On: Collected Poems – 1970s to 2020s'.

The book is due for publication by Ebury on October 3, which is also National Poetry Day.

Ms Ayres has had success with titles such as 'Pam Ayres on Animals' - the UK's bestselling poetry book in 2021 - and 'Who Are You Calling Vermin?', published the following year.

She first appeared on TV when she entered and won a TV talent show, 'Opportunity Knocks', in 1975.

Ms Ayres received an MBE for her contributions to literature and entertainment in 2004, and has featured on popular TV shows such as 'Love Your Weekend', 'This Morning' and 'Would I Lie To You', and delivered a performance at Glastonbury Festival in 2022.

Ms Ayres' works have found their way into the Sunday Times bestseller charts in almost every decade since the 1970s, making her one of the few authors to achieve this feat.

Having been surrounded by British countryside her whole life, Ms Ayres dedicates much of her poetry to the natural world.

When not performing, she occupies her time with painting, knitting, gardening and piano, which she started learning at the age of 75.

Ms Ayres will be in Keswick on September 24.