DUNBAR will host its first literary festival this June - and budding writers can see their work published in a writing competition.

Dunbar's Wee Festival of Words, June 17-18, aims to showcase and celebrate Dunbar's writing talent, and invites writers and performers from further afield to help create a unique event for East Lothian.

The festival is the brainchild of Hannah Lavery, a mum of three and founding member of online writing community Appletree Writers, who came up with the idea after a playground chat with Sue Anderson - the convenor of Dunbar Civic Week.

Hannah said: "I have always been amazed by how much creativity there is in Dunbar. I was in the playground chatting to Sue about how wonderful it would be to have a wee festival to celebrate the talent of our town.

"Inspired by other local festivals, I realised you didn't need to have huge funds and you could create something really special with goodwill and hard work. I told Sue I thought it was something that could be done really well in Dunbar.

"I have to admit I was a little taken aback when Sue said I should do it but after a deep breath and armed with my knackered laptop, the support of Sue, Susie Goodwin from North Light art and with the amazing generosity and community spirit of the people of Dunbar, two short months later we have a festival!" Community groups have embraced the festival with Dunbar Sings, Dunbar Lyric Group and Dunbar Writers making contributions.

Dunbar Writers and Dunbar Sings will open the festival on the evening of June 17, preceded by a 'writing mum' event. Singer-songwriter Alex Cornish also performs that night.

Rita Bradd of Dunbar Writers opens the second day's events at Garden Path cafe in Lauderdale Park, alongside Dunbar Lyric Group, which is devising a special performance inspired by a short story by Iain Levens.

The Scottish Book Trust is organising a special event on the evening of June 18, featuring past and present New Writer Award winners.

To celebrate, the festival has launched a writing competition entitled The Harbour.

This is open for entries both nationally and internationally until April 22, and has already attracted several entries which can be read at dunbarliteraryfestival.co.

uk A small selection of entries will be published in an ebook which will then be sold to raise funds for Dunbar lifeboat, while they will also be read by Dunbar Lyric Group at the town's Volunteer Arms on the opening night.

Author Nigel Bird, who will judge the entries along with artist Alastair Cook, said: "It's lovely to be involved with such a creative burst of energy that will offer writers with a range of experiences the opportunity to showcase their work." The festival is also looking for people's photographs of Dunbar, along with short descriptions and memories of the town, for inclusion on its website - email hannah@appletreewriters.co.uk Any potential sponsors can also get in touch via this email address.

Tickets will be on sale online from Monday, while the full programme can be viewed on the website.