Readers have been getting excited after it was announced that a prestigious Cumbrian author would be joining the University of Cumbria team.

Award-winning author Sarah Hall has been appointed as a University of Cumbria Professor of Practice, which will see her working alongside English literature students studying her widely-acclaimed novels.

Reader Judith Morris expressed her delight at Sarah returning to her home county.

She said: “I read most of her books and they are brilliant. Really pleased she is back in Cumbria. Welcome, Sarah!”

Marie Winter agreed, and shared her favourite title by the popular author.

She added: “Yep. Haweswater was excellent.”

Senior lecturer in English literature and theme lead for cultural landscapes within Ambleside-based CNPPA, Dr Penny Bradshaw, said she was thrilled to welcome Sarah Hall into the University’s fold.

Based within the Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas (CNPPA), Sarah said it was a position that would allow her to contribute beyond fiction in a focused way.

“It formalises my relationship with the place central to my writing,” she said.

“My upbringing in the Lake District was a gift, an essential component of what I do and my creative capabilities.

“It’s impossible to analyse the value of those formative years and the endless source of learning and inspiration. I’ve spent many books trying. It’s simply my lodestar.

“This role feels like another layer built on that foundation. An opportunity to add dimension to the map is wonderful.”

Born near Haweswater’s Bampton, Sarah currently lives in Norwich but plans to relocate back to her home county in the summer.

Four of her five resoundingly successful novels and three short stories have a strong Cumbrian focus, with issues facing communities brought to the fore.