The Countess of Wessex was the guest of honour at the opening of Gloucestershire's newest festival.

Sophie was in the Cotswolds village to officially open the first Kempsford Literary Festival.

All of the pupils were dressed as famous characters from books including the Mad Hatter, the witch from Narnia and the three little pigs.

"As someone who loves books I feel really strongly about events like this," said the wife of Prince Edward.

"I am somebody who loves reading and usually have around four books on the go.

"I also have a daughter Louise who is just getting to grips with her reading."

The Countess said she was invited to open the event by her friend Tim Hastie-Smith who is the reverend of the village and organised the event.

"He is an old friend of ours and it's lovely to do things for friends," she said.

"I'm sure Kempsford Literary Festival is going to grow in to something of real significance for Gloucestershire, and perhaps the whole of the UK."

Leading authors such as Joanna Trollope, Gyles Brandreth and Douglas Hurd are taking part in the three-day festival.