Celebrated author, journalist and historian Sir Max Hastings is soon to present his highly-acclaimed new book, Operation Pedestal - The fleet that battled to Malta 1942, at an exclusive event in support of the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal.

Hosted virtually via Zoom on Tuesday 1 June, the webinar will include a thrilling account by the author of the historic moment relived in his book, when a critical naval battle at the height of the Second World War - known locally as the Santa Marija Convoy - ensured Malta's survival. Encapsulating the intense action, as well as the spirit and power of the Royal Navy as it fought to deliver crucial supplies to the people of Malta on the brink of starvation, Hastings will shed new light on this little-known, yet pivotal, wartime battle.

Sir Hastings is the author of 27 books, with most featuring similar stories of conflict. Between 1986 and 2002 he also served as editor-in-chief of the Daily Telegraph, then editor of the Evening Standard, winning multiple prizes for both his journalism and his books. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, an Honorary Fellow of King's College, London and was knighted in 2002.

The event is being kindly hosted by The Malta Business Network (MBN), a platform that seeks to bring people together in the interest of Maltese businesses. As well as a live Q&A session with the author, following his presentation, the webinar will also include a welcome by the chairman of the UK Chapter of MBN, David Walsh, and will close with a message of thanks to all involved by Sir Martin Laing, chairman of the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal.

The webinar with Sir Hastings is one of a series of fund-raising events held in support of the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal. Aiming to raise more than €8m to fund vital restoration work to the tower, spire and structure of St Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral in Valletta, the appeal has already contributed towards the start of the urgent works last year.

Besides learning more about this fascinating moment in Maltese history - and helping to save Valletta's iconic skyline - attendees to the webinar will also enjoy an exclusive discounted price on the book at Agenda Bookshop. All paperback copies purchased between 1 and 30 June will be priced at just €17.85 for all attendees, in an offer that can be redeemed either by entering the code 'Operation Pedestal €17.85' online at www.agendabookshop.com or in-store on presentation of a voucher that will be made available to all those attending the webinar.

The webinar will be held online via Zoom on Tuesday 1 June at 4pm BST or 5pm in Malta (CET). Registration to attend should be completed in advance at https://bit.ly/2SAZJbI. While there is no fee for registration, donations are requested in aid of the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/savevallettasskyline. More information about the Save the Valletta Skyline Appeal can be found online at www.stpaulspromalta.org and about The Malta Business Network at www.maltabusinessnetwork.com