There will be a greater focus on Judaism at this year's Jewish Book Week, following criticism of last year's sessions.

The leading literary festival was accused of being "virtually Judaism-free" a year ago, but co-chair and director Lucy Silver said lessons had been learnt and the 11-day programme would reflect that.

Ms Silver said: "Our preview sessions have already been a great success and we're really looking forward to the festival. Our sessions on Judaism this year are going to be very interesting and we have listened to what was said last year. We have sessions from Avivah Zornberg and Lord Sacks which already have a lot of interest."

The 2016 festival, which started yesterday, features authors including Simon Schama, Howard Jacobson, Booker Prize winner Ben Okri and professor Marcus du Sautoy.

Ms Silver, in her second year in the post, said: "Science and health is a big strand, it is really going to take us into the future."

A session with epidemiologist Sir Michael Marmot in conversation with neurosurgeon Henry Marsh, on February 23, would be a highlight, Ms Silver said.

"They are going to be talking about social standing and how it can influence life expectancy."