Eccleston, author of the best-selling Isle of Wight based crime novel ‘Death On The Isle’ and one of the judges at the Isle of Wight Book Awards, has poured praise on this year’s ‘Fiction’ submissions, declaring that ‘Being the judge on this competition has restored my faith that writing books is worthwhile’. As well as drinks on arrival and a mouth-watering three-course-meal, the afternoon will feature an opening speech by the Awards’ founder Hunter Davies, and the judges will be on hand to announce the winners and present the awards. This year’s selected recipient is Sporting Opportunities IOW, an independent sports charity offering training and competition opportunities to athletes with learning disabilities on the island. Now officially accredited with Special Olympics Great Britain they have access to local, regional and national competition’s across the country. “It’s a fun way to keep the story alive, and by being part of the Literary Festival it creates a further opportunity for local talent to be included in the bigger picture.”Tickets for the awards can be purchased from the Island Sailing ClubNews shared by Paul on behalf of the Isle of Wight Book Awards.