Tom Paulin, one of the top names at the Ledbury Poetry Festival, has pulled out for medical reasons.

Mr Paulin is one of the UK's best-known television literary critics, as well as being a leading poet. He was set to read at the Community Hall on Saturday, July 9, at 2.30pm.

Refunds have been offered, although the majority of ticket-holders have decided to see his replacement, Ruth Padel, reading from her latest book, Tigers in Red Weather.

Meanwhile, the Ledbury Scribes has changed the venue for its 'open mike' event from the Black Pepper Carvery to Market House Caf. The event is on Monday, July 4 at 8pm.