Jane Austen fans are in for a treat this autumn as the Wells Festival of Literature marks 250 years since the author's birth with two sharply different tributes to the woman behind Pride and Prejudice.

Comedian and writer Rachel Parris – best known for her work on The Mash Report and improv group Austentatious – will reimagine the life of Charlotte Lucas, the overlooked best friend of Elizabeth Bennet.

In her new novel Introducing Mrs Collins: A Pride and Prejudice Story, Parris gives Charlotte the spotlight – and a second shot at happiness – after her famously pragmatic decision to marry the pompous Mr Collins.

"A surprise visitor awakens something new in Charlotte," said Parris. "It's a story about love, friendship, and the life Austen didn't write."

Meanwhile, Oxford professor Ros Ballaster takes a different route into Austen's world, using fashion to explore the author's works. Her illustrated gift book, Jane Austen's Fashion Bible, pairs extracts from Austen's novels and youthful writings with full-colour plates from Regency magazine La Belle Assemblée.

The two events are part of a wider programme at this year's festival, which will take place in October at venues across Wells.

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Priority booking for Friends of the Festival opens on Monday 28 July, with general booking opening Monday 4 August. Friends get discounted tickets at £10 (standard price £12.50).

More details and the full programme will be available at www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk.