A MAN who led humanitarian responses to some of the world’s greatest disasters is one of the main guests at a North Yorkshire literary festival.

Sir Nick Young will be talking about his memoir – My Years With The Red Cross – at the Richmond Walking and Book Festival on Saturday.

Sir Nick, who was chief executive of the charity for 13 years, will be in conversation with Peter Barron, former editor of The Northern Echo.

The interview will take place in the Georgian Theatre Royal at 7.30pm on Saturday, September 23, with Sir Nick talking about his leadership of the British Red Cross during worldwide disasters, including the Asian Tsunami, earthquakes, wars in Iraq and Syria, and the London bombings.

In his book, Sir Nick shares the strains and the moments of personal fulfilment, relief and humour, as he played a key role in the humanitarian response to some of the 21st Century’s most dramatic and dangerous events between 2001 and 2014.

The memoir recalls how, on one occasion, he was accompanying the now King Charles on a visit abroad. Having arrived by plane with the then Prince of Wales, Sir Nick stood back from the formal presentations only to be arrested for illegally entering the country. He was much relieved when his cell door opened and in walked a member of the royal security guard. Unfortunately, he had also been arrested and joined Nick in his cell.

The Richmond Walking and Book Festival opened on Friday and features a wonderfully varied programme of walks and book events this year. Authors will be talking about their books every evening and some mornings, and there are two theatre productions based on books written by the performers.

The festival ends on Sunday, September 24, with Nicholas Milton giving a fascinating talk about the role of birds in the two world wars.

Meanwhile, walks provide something for everyone visiting the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and beyond.