Famous authors, illustrators and poets were on hand to give readings, teach children their secrets and sign autographs.

There were also a number of activities taking place, including wand-making, a history walk and bookmark making.

Organiser Josephine Patterson said: "The whole place was buzzing, everything was full and it was really hot.

"We've looked through the feedback forms and everything we did has been nominated as someone's favourite."

Linton Children's Book Festival started with a history walk, led by historian Garth Collard and came to an end with the spy-training as youngsters sneaked their way round Linton Village College in a bid to solve puzzles and find the hidden microchip.

Tony Mitton, Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler (who spent two-and-half-hours signing autographs with a personal picture for each child), Valerie Bloom and Joe Craig were among the authors, illustrators and poets who appeared at the festival.

It is the second time the village has held such a festival, and it now looks likely it will become a bi-annual event.