1 April 2011 Last updated at 08:35

Literature Wales opens new chapter for writers

Welsh writers are being promised a new body to champion them, as the authors' society Academi joins forces with the north Wales writing centre, Tŷ Newydd.

The new national organisation, Literature Wales is pledging to open a new chapter for writers across Wales.

It has been formed after the Arts Council of Wales tasked Academi with developing literature across Wales.

The new body will continue to run events such as the Wales Book of the Year competition.

The chief executive of the new body, and former head of Academi, Peter Finch said: "Literature Wales, with the able support of the Arts Council, will put our literatures right where they need to be, make them enviable, accessible and enjoyable.

"Best of all Literature Wales will make them glow."

Tŷ Newydd in Llanystumdwy near Criccieth, Gwynedd, has been the national writers' centre since 1990.

Literature Wales said the former home of the Welsh Prime Minister, Lloyd George, will have a vital role to play in the new organisation.

Those plans include a new project for developing writers in healthcare, which will be launched at Tŷ Newydd later this year.

Dai Smith, chair of the Arts Council of Wales added: "Our aim is to create an organisation with 'clout', able to confidently represent the interests of the literature of Wales nationally and internationally.

"We will see a new dynamic and a unified focus in the development of literary activity."