Read up on a record bid

VISITORS to the Edinburgh International Book Festival will attempt to set a new world record by creating the longest-ever reading chain.

Organisers hope to attract 350 readers of all ages, with each participant in the chain reading one sentence aloud of Theresa Breslin's novel, Prisoner in Alcatraz.

The attempt will take place on August 19, with the festival hoping to beat the current record of 290 people which was set in Vienna last year.

Ms Breslin said: "I am absolutely thrilled that my book will feature in a record attempt."