MUCH-loved travel writer Bill Bryson returns to Winchester to speak in the cathedral.

He received his British citizenship in Winchester and now Mr Bryson is coming back to talk about his life and his work, at an event in Winchester Cathedral on October 12 at 7.30pm.

The Friends of Winchester Cathedral’s Annual Lecture – which has previously boasted speakers as diverse as Kate Adie, Joanna Lumley and David Starkey – will enjoy a journey through Mr Bryson’s life and travels, peppered with many of his wry observations and anecdotes.

From Iowa to Hampshire, Mr Bryson’s life has much to entertain the listener – journalist at the-then Bournemouth Evening Echo, Chancellor of Durham University, President of the Campaign for Rural England, author of many books, including Notes from a Small Island.

Through it all, his observations of British life have amused and delighted readers across the world.

As a fan of historic churches and a resident of Hampshire, Mr Bryson is pleased to be appearing at the event, which will raise money for the Friends of Winchester Cathedral, a charity which supports many essential ingredients of cathedral life – from the work of the stonemasons to the girls’ choir.

Tickets are £20 (£15 for Friends of the Cathedral) are available at the cathedral Box Office 01962 857275, www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk.