Author and television personality Will Self has backed squatters in the Friern Barnet Library and will be holding a book signing there next week.

The former Shooting Stars panellist and general brain box has thrown his support behind the controversial occupation of the former library, in Friern Barnet Road.

The 51-year-old will be at the community library on Wednesday, November 14, from 7pm, signing copies of his latest novel.

A group of squatters took over the empty building in September and have since reopened their own community library, containing more than 8,000 donated books.

The activists are facing eviction and a trial in December will decide whether they have a legal right to remain in the building.