An illustrated talk on the life and works of Hilaire Belloc will take place on July 16 at Worthing library.

The talk, by Kim Leslie of the West Sussex Record Office, is part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the death of the influential author who spent much of his life in West Sussex.

The young Belloc lived in Slindon and then moved with his wife and family to Shipley, near Horsham, buying an ancient house called King's Land, together with the adjacent windmill and land.

He lived there for 47 years, until his death in 1953, regarding the area as the perfect rural retreat.

Belloc spent a lot of time walking in the area and had a deep love and lifelong fascination with the West Sussex countryside.

It influenced some of his best writings, particularly the poems The South Country and Halnaker Mill and The Four Men, a rambling description of a walk through Sussex.

David Dewdney, West Sussex County Council's member for community development, said: "Belloc was a great writer, with a deep love for West Sussex.

"This talk will be extremely interesting for people who perhaps would like to know more about this fascinating man and his connection with our county."

The talk will take place in the lecture theatre, Worthing library, Richmond Road, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £3 and can be obtained on 01903 206961 or by visiting any West Sussex library.