Some of Britain’s most famous authors came out in support of libraries earmarked for closure yesterday as the country celebrated World Book Day.

Popular writers including Jackie Collins, Ian Rankin and beloved children’s author Michael Rosen signed a letter slamming London’s Lambeth Council after it decided to shut half of its libraries.

Award-winning novelist Alex Wheatle told the Star he was supporting the Save Lambeth Libraries campaign as “libraries are the last great equaliser of education.”