POET and author Simon Armitage held a reading of his new book, Walking Home, for Honley Library Book Group.

The Marsden-born writer and musician read from his book – about his troubadour walk along the Pennine Way – at the library on March 18.

Simon, who lives in Meltham, talked about gruelling and humorous moments on his 256-walk from Kirk Yetholm, on the Scottish border, to Edale in the Peak District.

Mr Armitage, who has presented several BBC TV documentaries, completed the walk in 2010 without any cash and had to earn his food and accommodation performing as a modern day bard.

Simon also read poems and passages from his other books.

Honley Library Book Group member Anne Broadbent said: “Simon has shown his support for the local libraries and the vital role they play in the community...

“At the end of an excellent evening, book group members showed their appreciation by passing round a sock, a routine made famous at the readings in Simon’s book.”

l Members of Honley Library are setting up a Friends of Honley Library group to help secure the future of the library.

Kirklees Council had planned to shed responsibility of some of its village libraries, including Honley Library.

However, in February Kirklees Council announced it would be retaining control of its village libraries for a further 12 months.

For more about Friends of Honley Library visit: longlivehonleylibrary.wordpress.com .