THE Broadchurch effect is selling West Bay better than any tourist brochure but there are others quietly and effectively promoting the area.

One of those is Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis who set her novel No Turning Back in Bridport.

The other is Hannah Richell, whose novel, Secrets of the Tides, is based around a fictionalised Chideock.

Bridport World Book Day volunteer Annette Shaw has been interviewing both authors.

Annette said: “Interviewing Susan and Hannah was fascinating – particularly to hear why they chose West Dorset as a backdrop.

“We’re on a roll here with Broadchurch as well.

“Both were extremely interesting writers and very generous with their time and it was lovely to hear their passion for West Dorset.”

Annette said it was fascinating to hear how and why someone who could boast a Hollywood lifestyle with George Clooney as a neighbour, Nicholas Cage as a guest and Steve Martin as a dog walking companion, could then turn happily to a West Dorset market town – and have specific locations feature so prominently and recognisably.

Ms Lewis’s central character Eva, says: “Loved everything about the quaint little market town of Bridport, from its proud red-brick town hall with jaunty clock tower and bandstand belfry, to the elegant colonnade home of the arts centre.”

For her part Hannah was inspired to set her novel in West Dorset from childhood memories visiting grandparents in Chideock.

The novel’s fictional Summertown is a loosely based version of Seatown, but the novel also includes real places such as Bridport and Golden Cap.

World Book Day is being celebrated in Bridport on April 23 with volunteers Annette Shaw and Pam Middlemast, who, along with members of Books on the Beach Reading Group, will be giving away World Book Day titles at Ellipse, in West Bay, between 3pm and 4pm.

The books are The White Queen by Philippa Gregory and The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. There will also be a paperback exchange where you can swap or donate books to help others start or rekindle a love affair with the written word.

For events in your local area see worldbooknight.org