A hugely popular book festival has an even brighter future ahead after University of Roehampton pledged to provide major support for it over the next three years.

Lovers of literature in south west London will find a bigger and better festival on their doorsteps later this year after the university announced the partnership deal with Wimbledon BookFest last week.

A university spokesman said the university was one of several supporters of last year’s BookFest and was so impressed with the quality of speakers, activities and opportunities it provided for students that it will now become the festival‘s long term higher education partner.

The new partnership means greater links will be forged between the organisers, residents in Merton and Wandsworth, and the university’s department of English and creative writing.

The partnership will see the university and BookFest share their experience to run a film project for schools in Merton, host short story and young writer’s competitions, and hold creative writing workshops for the community.

They will also bring renowned academics to the BookFest to talk about their areas of expertise and support the aims and operation of the festival.

Professor Laura Peters, head of the department, said: "Together we will establish south west London as a home of literary excellence, which is great news for our students, the region’s arts scene and its economy."

Roehampton students will be able to get more involved in the running of the festival in paid intern positions, volunteering and getting tickets to selected events.

Fiona Razvi, director of Wimbledon BookFest, said: "This is hugely welcome support from the University of Roehampton for the Wimbledon community, and we’re grateful for its continuous backing.

"This partnership means we can bring even more of the university’s writers and literary thinkers to bigger audiences each year."

Wimbledon BookFest 2015 will be held from October 2 to 15. www.wimbledonbookfest.org.