An award-winning children’s author is set to visit one of the Cotswolds most popular family attractions.

Highly acclaimed author M.G. Leonard will be the guest of honour at Birdland Park and Gardens during February half-term.

Leonard will be at the Bourton attraction signing copies of her books, Twitch and Spark, ahead of the release of her new book, Clutch.

Simon Cox, general manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Maya will be with us here at the park to talk about her new book and her love of the natural world.

"Birdland will provide the perfect backdrop to discuss her love of wildlife and to tell us about her fantastic birdwatching detectives as featured in the books Twitch and Spark.”

Real name Maya Gabrielle, Leonard decided to adopt her son's middle name as her pen name.

Now living in Brighton, Leonard is perhaps best known for her series, the Twitchers.

Her books have been translated into more than 40 languages and one of her titles, Beetle Boy, is being developed into a TV series.

Bettle Boy also lead to Leonard becoming vice president of insect charity, Buglife, and she has taken her pet beetles onto shows such as Blue Peter, Springwatch Unsprung and Countryfile.

Her visit on Monday, February 20, will be part of a two week event devoted to the world of Twitchers – a name for bird watchers focused on spotting rare or exotic birds.

Visitors to the park between Saturday, February 11, and Sunday, February 26, will be able to channel their inner Twitcher, using a spotter trail to navigate the park as they find clues to uncover a secret code.

Those who complete the trail will be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of one of Leonard’s books each day.

To find out more or book tickets, visit www.birdland.co.uk or call 01451 820480.