ACCLAIMED Kinver author A G Smith will be making a welcome return to the village's library this autumn.

He will be reading some of his horror stories which are likely to test some of the most hardened audiences.

But the author has also hit out at proposed cuts to library services which could leave Kinver's facility run by volunteers.

He said: "Kinver is a very special library situated in a beautiful old school house that really commands attention from the High Street.

"It's a perfect setting for storytelling, but it also feels like the hub of the community, exactly as a library should always be.

"I was deeply saddened to read that Kinver is one of the libraries facing job cuts and being turned over to be volunteer run.

"This is unfair on rural communities who rely so much on their local library.

"A library needs to be run by a qualified librarian - it's that simple.

"I will be very proud to return to Kinver and show my support for the library with an event like this and I hope the audience will do the same."

Having had his work praised by many best selling authors, A G Smith also works with young offenders in prisons helping them to engage with reading and writing. He has been featured on BBC Radio 4 and Channel 4's Secret Millionaire programme.

Consultation on the future of Staffordshire's libraries started this week with Staffordshire County Council representatives due to visit all 43 of the county's facilities over a 12-week period. But they insist it is not a closure programme.

A G Smith will be appearing at Kinver Library on Tuesday October 28.

Tickets, which are likely to sell out fast, can be reserved by calling 01384 872348.