Members of the Malcolm Saville Society are heading to Norfolk for their annual gathering and 25th anniversary.

North Norfolk News: Children's author Malcolm Saville. Pictures: Supplied by Joy TubbyChildren's author Malcolm Saville. Pictures: Supplied by Joy Tubby (Image: Archant)

The children's author set many of his books in Norfolk, and about 100 members will follow in his footsteps during the weekend event, which is hosted by the Links Hotel at West Runton.

It will tie in with one of his most popular books, Redshank's Warning, first published in 1948, which is largely set around Blakeney and Cley.

A lesser known volume, The Adventure of the Lifeboat Service, 1950, will also be incorporated into the weekend to reflect Cromer's heroic links to the service.

Following the theme of Redshank's Warning, members will visit Blakeney and its church, which features in the story, and also travel to other coastal towns between Friday, April 26 and Sunday, April 28.

North Norfolk News: Redshank's Warning book cover 1976. Pictures: Supplied by Joy TubbyRedshank's Warning book cover 1976. Pictures: Supplied by Joy Tubby (Image: Archant)

Born in 1901 in Hastings, Mr Saville created around 90 titles between 1943 and 1982, and also produced numerous short stories and magazine articles.

One of his popular series featured the Jillies, and in Redshank's Warning the children visit Blakeney for a recuperative break following a bout of measles. In his narrative, he describes the Jillies' journey to Norfolk, and along the coast from Cromer to Blakeney.

On their own holidays to north Norfolk, the Saville family stayed above the former East Runton Post Office, which was formerly known as Puxleys.

Photographs of the family on West Runton beach have recently come to light, and will be shared at the weekend.

The society was formed in 1994 and a number of events, walks and talks are held throughout the year.

Five members of the Saville family will be at the gathering, including Mr Saville's daughter Rosemary, and joint founding member of the society, Mark O'Hanlon will also be present.

Chairman Kim Spencer said: 'The annual gatherings take place each April, and are usually hosted in an area linked to Saville's fiction. It is particularly special this year, and we are hosting our annual gathering in Norfolk for the first time.'

the weekend is fully booked, but more information can be found at www.witchend.com