Two writers from the region will give a distinctly Yorkshire flavour to an event entitled 'Trains Of Thought', which is taking place as part of  York's second annual Literature Festival.

Poet John Siddique and award-winning writer Joolz Denby will be among those peforming at the special event on Thursday 13 March, which is, rather aptly, being hosted by the National Railway Museum (NRM). In a unique fusion of music and literature, Joolz Denby will be accompanied on guitar by the brilliant young songwriter and front man of the rock band 'New York Alcoholic Anxiety Attack', Mik Davis.

Bradford-based Denby won the Crime Writer's Association's 'New Crime Writer Of The Year' award and was shortlisted for the John Creasey Award for her debut novel 'Stone Baby' (HarperCollins). She was also awarded the audio book industry's prestigious 'Earphone Award' (USA) for her brilliant unabridged recording of 'Stone Baby'. Her third novel, 'Billie Morgan' (Serpent's Tail) was shortlisted for the 2005 Orange Prize and also the Crime Writer's Association's 'Dagger In The Library' award.

Hebden Bridge-based John Siddique is the author of 'The Prize' and co-author of 'Four Fathers'. He has had work published in a wide variety of books and journals, including 'Rialto', 'Magma' and 'The North'. 

In another exciting addition to the programme for the Literature Festival, it has been confirmed that York-based author Fiona Shaw, whose novel 'The Sweetest Thing' is set in York, will also be taking part.

Miles Salter, Read-Write York co-ordinator, said: "The line-up for the 2008 festival is looking really exciting. We are looking forward to a festival that really helps to provide local readers, writers and anybody interested in literature with a great couple of weeks."

Admission to 'Trains of Thought' is free, but only a limited number of places are available. For tickets and more information,  call Claire Oxley, new audience development officer at the NRM on 01904 685 712.