Wimbledon BookFest was the apple in the eye of Time and Leisure magazine staff, until former editor Fiona Razvi left to make a success of it.

And make a success of it she has, with famous authors including Ian McEwan, Penny Vincenzi and Alexander McCall Smith flocking to Wimbledon to be involved year after year.

The book festival has grown exponentially from 1,000 people and 17 events in its first year to 8,000 people attending more than 60 events including author talks, short story competitions and literary walks.

An education outreach programme has now involved more than 7,000 children from schools across Merton, with writing competitions and children's events a staple of the festival.

Ms Razvi has been nominated for a Merton Civic Award in the arts and entertainment category for her work with the festival.

She said: "I'm delighted to be nominated.

"It is nice that the festival has been recognised in this way.

"I find now more and more people are pleased to have it in the area.

"It is an important part of our community now."

The festival was set up eight years ago by now-chairman Tony Kane and Ms Razvi.

A core team of 10 to 15 people work tirelessly all year round in organising the varied October programme and the education outreach programme, which includes orchestrating the Young Writers' Competition where school-age children pen short stories to be judged by a panel.

Last year Dame Jacqueline Wilson presented the prizes to the delighted young winners at the festival's tent on Wimbledon Common.

Throughout the year up to 100 volunteers help out, including stewards, interns from Roehampton University, which sponsors the event and administrative support.

The first festival was held in 2007, and launched with 150 people.

Ms Razvi said audiences have continued to grow every year.

There is still time to nominate someone for a Merton Civic Award. Visit the website or fill out a form in the newspaper by the end of May.