Comedian and screenwriter Andy Hamilton will be coming to St Albans next month for the return of Books in the Belfry.

Andy is best known for co-writing the hit BBC TV series Outnumbered and Drop the Dead Donkey, as well as being a regular panellist on Have I Got News for You and radio programmes shows such as The News Quiz and I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue.

His debut novel The Star Witness is being published in paperback in time for Flamstead Book Festival and he will be talking to St Albans based journalist Ian Ridley about the latest chapter of a career spent making people laugh.

Andy says of his first venture into novel writing: "The Star Witness is very funny but serious at the same time. When you’re writing comedy, there’s often an element of seriousness concealed beneath it.

“The book is about a soap actor, who makes a series of mistakes and finds himself the target of public vitriol. I wanted to write about the effects of celebrity culture, and the new narcissism of the selfie society.

"The best thing about writing a book is that you’re never quite sure where it might lead you. On telly, you’ve only got half an hour, so there’s a limit to the alleyways and avenues you can pursue.

"Also you write a book on your own, but TV is hugely collaborative. You write something, but you employ dozens of people to help realise it – actors, technicians… I do enjoy that element. I’m not sure if I would have the temperament to only write novels."

Andy follows in the footsteps of a long list of top names who have appeared since the Festival made its debut in 2014 in the village of Flamstead, near St Albans and Harpenden, including Jane Hawking, Tony Parsons, Barry Norman, Great British Bake Off winner Edd Kimber, Dermot Turing, Sophie Hannah, Renee Knight and Steve Claridge.

Harpenden Books and Waterstones are supporting the Festival and will be selling copies of Andy's novel at the event. Information can be found at flamsteadbookfestival.com.

Festival spokesman and Flamstead resident Vikki Orvice said: "We are excited about Andy's appearance and hope as many people in the area will once again support Books in the Belfry. We think attracting him is another coup for the area so come along, give him a big welcome and hear his story."

Proceeds will help support the Friends of St Leonard's (FOSL) charity to raise funds for repair and restoration work on the roof and fabric to safeguard the village church and its unique medieval wall-paintings for future generations.

On the night there will be the chance to win two VIP tickets for a recording of Have I Got News for You in London where you will be able to meet the panellists and celebrity guests and then join the audience to watch the show.

Doors will open 7pm on June 1 in St Leonard's Church in the village and you will be able to get books signed by Andy after his interview and audience Q&A.