The annual Author’s Breakfast, attended by best-selling novelist and poet Sophie Hannah, raised over ?5,000 for Manx Blind Welfare Society.

More than 180 literature fans gathered at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club to hear Sophie talk about her career, inspirations and latest publications. Lieutenant Governor His Excellency Adam Wood and society President His Honour Jack Corrin were among the guests at the Author’s Breakfast, first held in 1994.

Critically-acclaimed and award-winning author Sophie is best-known for psychological thrillers including The Point of Rescue and The Other Half Lives, which were adapted for ITV1 television’s Case Sensitive.

Her work has been translated into more than 20 languages, and her poems are studied at GCSE, A-level and degree level across the UK.

The breakfast, organised by the Isle of Man Fund for the Blind, also featured a raffle, with prizes including a travel voucher courtesy of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and auction thanks to the generosity of chef Andy Parker.

MBWS Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘It was a great event and Sophie was engaging and fascinating to listen to as she revealed what inspires the work which delights her readers worldwide.

‘She was a wonderful guest and very generous with her time, chatting and signing copies of her books.

‘Through ticket sales, the raffle and donations on the day, the Author’s Breakfast raised more than ?5,000 to assist Manx Blind Welfare Society to continue its vital work with blind and visually impaired people in the Isle of Man.’

She added: ‘I’d like to thank the Isle of Man Fund for the Blind for its work in the organisation of the event, our long-time supporters, including the Lexicon Bookshop and Black Rock, and, of course, Sophie.’

Sophie said: ‘It was a delight to be asked to speak at such a long-established and popular event. It is always rewarding to be able to talk about your work to an informed and interested audience, and I am particularly pleased the event raised so much for Manx Blind Welfare Society.’

To find out more about the work of Manx Blind Welfare Society visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety.

Photo - Sophie Hannah and Lieutenant Governor His Excellency Adam Wood.