WITH a stellar cast of writers and celebrities, it was always on the cards that the Borders Book Festival would celebrate its tenth birthday in style among the sprawling lawns and marquees of idyllic Harmony House in Melrose.

And so it came to pass, with the four-day extravaganza taking place under largely sunny skies and with organisers estimating that last year's record of 13,000 ticket sales may even be surpassed.

"This was the best festival ever, simple as that," enthused a tired but contented event director Alistair Moffat as the last crowds drifted home after a climactic and hilarious final session from actor, wit and raconteur John Sessions on Sunday evening.

In the four proceeding days, the main 400-seater venue had hosted an eclectic mix of weel kent faces, from Peter Allis and Tom Conti during Thursday's curtain raiser to former spy chief Stella Rimington and multi literary award winner Hilary Mantel on Friday.

Saturday saw the main programme augmented by a range of performances and workshops aimed at young readers before stand-out appearances from actress turned national treasure Joanna Lumley and gritting crime novelist William McIlvanney.

And, before the Sessions masterclass on Sunday, there were sell out shows from television historian Neil Oliver and bestselling author Kate Mosse.

"The sparkle and sheer quality of the guests was only matched by the response from our magnificent audiences," Mr Moffat told the Border Telegraph. "The weather smiled, with the occasional smirr of rain and all went very well. Will we do it again next year? You bet!"

The Lumley show was arguably the hottest ticket of the weekend and she did not disappoint, delighting listeners with anecdotes of an acting career spanning over four decades and her most recent public role as a campaigner for the rights of Ghurkas.

And, in conversation with Mr Moffat, she revealed a long-standing affection for the Borders, dating back to 1970 when she came to the region to appear in the ill-fated movie Tam Lin, which was shot around the Glen and Traquair estate.

During filming, she stayed at the Peebles Hotel Hydro with the film's star Ava Gardner and, by all accounts, much off-screen fun was had by all.

Ms Lumley later told the Border Telegraph: "Being here really has been absolutely fabulous. I love the Borders and I very much had the feeling of coming home. It was a wonderful experience."