Renowned children’s author Sir Michael Morpurgo will be visiting Okehampton later this month to sign copies of his latest book.

On October 31, Sir Michael is set to come to Fairplace Church for a book signing event hosted by Okehampton’s independent bookshop, Dogberry and Finch. He will be signing copies of his new book, Down Burrow Lane: Life and Love on the Farm, a memoir about his move to Devon and setting up the charity Farms for City Children with his wife, Clare.

Sir Michael will be signing books from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Copies of Down Burrow Lane can be collected if reserved in advance or obtained at the event. Other Michael Morpurgo titles will also be available.

Owner of Dogberry and Finch bookshop, Kate McCloskey, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting a book signing event this autumn for Down Burrow Lane. This long-awaited, tender, and inspiring memoir recounts Michael and Clare Morpurgo's 50 years living on a working farm deep in rural Devon, and the charity they started there in 1976 - Farms for City Children - which has to date transformed the lives of over 100,000 children.”

Dogberry and Finch has invited Year 11 students from Okehampton College to volunteer at the signing as a chance to gain work experience, improve their CV and participate in a memorable event.

This year Sir Michael and Clare Morpurgo are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of their charity Farms for City Children, which provides countryside and farming experiences to children living in urban areas. As part of the celebrations Princess Anne visited Nethercott House, the original Devon farm. Princess Anne has been patron of Farms for City Children since 1991.

Today, the charity operates three farms in Devon, Gloucestershire and Pembrokeshire, providing residential trips that allow children to spend a week living and learning together on working farms.