THE Ilkley woman who started the Thought Bubble comic convention, which attracts artists and writers from across the world, is stepping down from running the annual event.

Lisa Wood, who started Thought Bubble in 2007, has handed over the reins of the Festival Director role to Nabil Homsi, partner of Leeds-based Great British Bake-Off contestant Kim-Joy, who runs the Travelling Man chain of comic and sci-fi shops across the north of England.

The first Thought Bubble event took place in the basement of Leeds Town Hall and has since grown to a huge convention that is now housed in Harrogate’s convention centre.

Lisa is stepping back to concentrate on her work as an artist for comics and other media, which she does under the name Tula Lotay.

In a statement, Lisa said: “I'm so proud of how the festival, the team and community has grown over the years. Since I started Thought Bubble in 2007 I've met so many wonderful people in the industry and been inspired by incredible talent, some of whom I've discovered on my doorstep thanks to the community Thought Bubble has fostered.

“As some of you may know, I've been trying to balance my work on Thought Bubble alongside my own career as an artist and starting a family four years ago. Over the last few years my illustration work has grown and this now demands most of my time. This has seen the Thought Bubble team take on more responsibilities in terms of managing the convention and the wider festival. Each of them has stepped up to the challenge of presenting the convention. I'm in awe of their passion, dedication, hard work and love for the community that we've built.

“I now feel the time has come for me to officially step back as the Festival Director and leave the show in their capable hands. I've seen what they can do and know they can take Thought Bubble to places I never could and I feel incredibly excited for what is in store for the future of the show. Nabil Homsi, the owner of Travelling Man, who supported me from day one, will step up as Thought Bubble's new Director. He'll be working alongside our amazing Festival Directors Martha Julian, Amy Bellwood and Chloe Green.”

Thought Bubble takes place every November and big names from across the comics world regularly appear, along with creators just starting out in the business.

Lisa added: “Of course I could never really fully leave Thought Bubble and I would like to continue to be part of the team who bring it to life every year, it's just now I'll have more time to enjoy the show and stop and chat when we see each other at the convention! I can't wait for you all to see what the team has planned for this year… I couldn't be leaving it in better hands.”