AUTHOR Philip Pullman has officially opened the third annual West Way festival.

The Cumnor writer, most known for his fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials, delivered an impassioned speech championing the area’s community spirit.

The West Way shopping centre will play host to live music, food stalls and children’s games throughout the rest of the afternoon.

Tonight there will be an auction at Seacourt Hall as well as a quiz and a bake-off competition.