CHRISTOPHER Brookmyre is offering crime fiction fans the chance to star in the pages of his next book.

He is taking part in the Get in Character campaign for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children.

The acclaimed Glasgow author, who wrote Black Widow and Boiling a Frog, will give fans the chance to name a character in his next novel with the prize going to the highest bidder.

Get in Character is a seven-day eBay auction from Sunday, February 25 to Sunday, March 4, with proceeds going to CLIC Sargent, a charity that supports children and young people with cancer and their families.

Christopher said: "I’m thrilled to be involved for the second year running for such a worthy cause such as CLIC Sargent.

"Everybody wins in this event. The auction winner gets their name in a book and frequently that name has a better resonance with the character than the one I would have come up with."

More than 50 authors are taking part in this year’s campaign, which has raised almost £35,000 for the charity since beginning in 2014.

Character names are also up for grabs this year from internationally acclaimed thriller writer Peter James and crime writer Elly Griffiths.

The campaign also offers one lucky applicant the chance to win a signed War Horse book from Michael Morpurgo, along with a live experience in London.

Signed books are also available from Graham Norton, Ian Rankin, Clare Balding and Lee Child, as well as signed one-off illustrations from Axel Scheffler, who illustrates The Gruffalo.

Clare Cox, Online Retail Manager at CLIC Sargent, said: "If you are a book worm or know someone who is, then don’t miss this unique opportunity to have your name immortalised in your favourite author's book.

"We are hugely grateful for the support of these authors, who are giving their fans a fantastic opportunity to become part of one of their stories while also raising vital funds to help CLIC Sargent provide practical, emotional, financial and clinical support to children and young people with cancer, and their families."

For the chance to have your name in one of your favourite books see www.clicsargent.org.uk/GetinCharacter2018 on Sunday, February 25 to place your bid.