The eminent American poet Sharon Olds (pictured above) will be reading her work at St Michaels Church, Broad Street, Bath at 7pm tomorrow.

A rare visitor to Britain, this is one of only three UK appearances by Sharon and her only reading outside the south east and the Edinburgh Book Festival.

Her poetry is direct and accessible yet startling in its imagery and unflinching in its exploration of family relationships.

Her poems are 'pure fire in the hands,' says Michael Ondaatje, author of Oscar-winning The English Patient.

This event is co-hosted by Bath Lit Support and Topping & Co Booksellers.

As well as reading her poems Sharon will also talk with Wayne Hill of Bath Lit Support about poetry and the making of poems. Bath Lit Support is jointly funded by Arts Council England and Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Peter Salt, arts development officer for Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: "We are pleased to be supporting this reading in Bath by one of the foremost contemporary American poets. Sharon Olds is a distinctive voice and this should be a memorable evening."

Tickets cost £8, redeemable towards the purchase of a book by Sharon Olds from Topping & Company Booksellers. Tel: 01225 428111.

Bath based chartered accountant, Tim Lerwill FCA, has just released his new children's book The Snow Sheep (Farmer Tim Stories). Bath. In the Snow Sheep story Farmer Tim, a boy who helps his mum and dad on their farm, has an adventure with his dad as they race to save a sheep's life. The story is aimed at around 3 to 7 year old children.

Farmer Tim Stories are based around experiences and situations encountered by Tim Lerwill while growing up on a farm in North Devon.

A book launch, signing and children's book reading is planned at Waterstone's, Bath on Saturday at noon to 3pm.