A LIVELY take on the history of the town's buildings and intriguing tales of its old characters will be delivered by Reading's best known fish monger as part of Heritage Open Days.

Smelly Alley Fish Company owner Kevin Little will give an hour-long talk at 7.30pm on Friday next week at The George Hotel, which dates back to the 1400s and is believed to be the town centre's oldest building.

The Reading-born 65-year-old is a former pupil at Caversham Secondary Modern and has worked in Union Street for around 40 years. He took up stand-up comedy two years ago on the advice of friends.

Kevin said: "Comedy works best when it is based on things people are familiar with and my talk is going to be very Reading-focused, all about Reading, and I don't think age has got anything to do with it."

On Saturday, September 8, at 12.30pm there will be a meet the author event at Waterstones in Broad Street - with Adam Sowan (Believing in Reading: Our Places of Worship), Geoff Sawers (Broad Street Chapel and the Origins of Dissent in Reading) and Terry Allsop (Newtown Reading: A Photographic Journey in Reading 1974).

The bookshop is hosting an exhibition about its building, the 18th Century Grade II listed Broad Street Independent Chapel, on the same day from 12,30pm - while children aged five and up can print their own book illustration on a traditional printing press, courtesy of Two Rivers Press.

The night before, the store will host from 6.30pm The Time of Our Lives, which will include readings by poets of all ages and walks of life and be led by Peter Robinson from Two Rivers Press

It turns from books to music on Sunday, September 9, at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, when members of Berkshire Organists Association will give a talk, demonstration and provide an opportunity for people to play the Father Willis organ at Reading Town Hall.

Reading has been taking part in the nationwide Heritage Open Days festival since it was founded in 1994. It runs from Thursday to Sunday, September 6-9, and is being co-ordinated by Reading UK CIC.

In Reading, there are more than 40 events, ranging from tours and open days at some of the town's most historic landmarks to vintage craft workshops and live music. Some events require booking and have charges and age restrictions. For full details see www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/laa/reading