A DAY of celebration to mark the life of Nottingham writer and poet Alan Sillitoe will take place next month at the Council House.

A host of Notts groups have come together in tribute to his talent and will use the event to launch a fund for a statue to honour him.

The day will feature an exhibition and a programme of talks, readings, music and discussion.

Alan's son, David Sillitoe, said: "It's excellent that Nottingham has come together to organise what will be a really special day."

He added that the event would give people a deeper insight into the writer, who died in April.

"Probably for the first time there will be a chance to learn more about Alan's life, including his interests – like maps and radio – and to see some of his personal photos and letters.

"Alan really loved Nottingham and he regularly came back to visit. I know he would want to see as many people as possible coming along to have a great day in Nottingham."

The programme will include reflections by David and contributions by crime writer John Harvey,

An Alan Sillitoe short story competition will be launched.

The official launch of the Alan Sillitoe Statue Fund will see a campaign to raise money for a statue of Alan in Lenton Abbey, where he was born in Manton Crescent.

Castle Rock Brewery is brewing a beer in his memory which people can sample.

Details of the day's events are available at www.sillitoe.com

Two hundred tickets are available costing £5 from The Bookcase in Lowdham on 0115 9663219.