MILD mannered man of rock Jonn Penney, frontman of former Stourbridge chart stars Ned's Atomic Dustbin, will be among the famous names giving talks as part of Wolverhampton Literature Festival.

Jonn will be teaming up with best-selling author Martin Roach to discuss how the Black Country music phenomenon that went global impacted on their lives.

As lead singer of the Ned's - Jonn toured the world and enjoyed both singles and album success in the early 1990s; while Martin became a top author after successfully publishing his tale (The Eight Legged Atomic Dustbin Will Eat Itself) about how the Ned's found fame along with fellow Black Country bands The Wonder Stuff and Pop Will Eat Itself.

The talk, taking place at The Slade Rooms on Friday January 27 at 7pm, will see the pair interviewing each other before questions are opened up to the audience.

Entry is free for the event, entitled The Eight Legged Atomic Dustbin Will Read Itself, which is part of a three-day festival of talks, performances and workshops - running from January 27 to 29.

Miles Hunt, frontman of The Wonder Stuff, is also giving a talk at 8.30pm on Friday January 27, with tickets priced £12 (available online from wolvescivic.co.uk).

Black Country comedy character Doreen, Stourbridge author Kerry Hadley-Pryce, Stourbridge comedy writer Phil Liptrot and Oldswinford's Coachhouse Writers and Sedgley horror writer Colin Martin are also hosting events at the festival.

To find out more go to www.wolvesliteraturefestival.co.uk