David Lodge, one of Britain's best-known novelists, is to head the panel at the next Writers at the Hall event in Coventry later this month.

The Birmingham-based writer, awarded a CBE in 1998 for services to literature, will be talking about his work and signing copies of his books at St Mary's Hall on Wednesday March 28 from 7.30pm.

Winner of numerous literary prizes over the years, David Lodge has a track record as a novelist stretching back to the beginning of the 1960s.

Two of his novels, Small World and Nice Work, have been adapted for television and he has twice been shortlisted for the Booker Prize, the book world's top award.

His comic new novel Thinks…, published this month, delves into the murky waters of artificial intelligence and womanising and is receiving rave reviews from the critics.

This is the fifth in a series of Writers at the Hall events, launched by Coventry and Warwickshire Promotions to highlight St Mary's Hall and celebrate Coventry's literary heritage.

Previous panellists have included Lord Hattersley, award-winning novelist Linda Grant and Sue Townsend, creator of Adrian Mole.

At least one more writer is being lined up for the event, and details will be announced shortly.

Organiser Peter Walters, from Coventry and Warwickshire Promotions, said:

"We've had some well-known writers at previous events, but perhaps no one with quite the literary reputation of David Lodge.

“His new novel is getting a lot of attention in the media and we're delighted that he's coming to Coventry to talk about his work. I would urge book-lovers to get their tickets early.”

The evening includes a three-course dinner and free wine reception, as well as a book-signing session.