Ann Widdecombe sells-out Festival Drayton Centre

Ann Widdecombe delighted a sell-out crowd when she visited Market Drayton's arts venue to lift the lid on life as an author, former politician and Strictly Come Dancing star.

The former Tory prisons minister put in an arresting performance in front of fans at the Festival Drayton Centre on Saturday.

During the event, called An Audience with Ann Widdecombe, the outspoken former MP wowed the audience with a barrage of anecdotes from her colourful parliamentary career.

Later she signed copies of the four novels she has penned.

Centre bosses said she was impressed with the way the venue was set up by members of the community and predominantly run by an army of local volunteers.

"It was a very successful occasion and she was a joy to work with," said Festival Drayton Centre chairman Geoff Vernon.

"She had a good look around, chatted with our volunteer helpers and said she was impressed with the centre."

Ann won new fans when she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One, where the judges gave her a hard time for her unorthodox dancing style.