A FANTASTIC Stroud author is celebrating his 60th birthday with the launch of his new book.

The reading will take place at the Black Book Café, Stroud this Wednesday from 7.30pm and will feature special guests.

Jay Ramsay's new novel, Pilgrimage: a journey to Love Island is about an interfaith pilgrimage from London to Iona.

Running courses and workshops based in Stroud and London, Jay is also a poet, psychotherapist and healer.

The launch will include poetry from Steve Morris, Gabriel Millar and Polly Howell, music from The Day Jobs and an open café.

All are welcome and admission is free.

For more information call 07752 719331