A PORN star is to make make the case for her trade at the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

Vex Ashley, a former art student turned erotic actress, will join a panel of experts to discuss the topic 'Can pornography be good for you?'.

She will appear alongside obscenity lawyer Myles Jackman, psychotherapist Paula Hall and Richard Lucas of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity on Sunday 3 April.

The 26-year-old, from Leeds, describes herself as an 'ex-art student turned professional undresser'. She performs on her own website and has starred in a number of avante-garde adult films.

The talk is part of the Science and Culture Discussion series at the festival, and will be restricted to an over-14 age group.

A spokesman for the festival said: "We realise that it is a controversial topic and we are happy with that. A festival is melting pot of ideas that brings together people that might not otherwise have the opportunity to speak to each other.

"We think this is a valuable opportunity to think about controversial topics and hear about them from informed speakers.

"We were keen to ensure a panel with a variety of views. She is here to talk about the benefits porn can have, not just tot the viewer but to the performer too."

The spokesman added: "As an independent porn producer she will perhaps highlight a different side to the world of pornography than we are used to."

The event will feature short presentations from each speaker, followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

Ms Ashley has declined to comment, but told a newspaper: "I welcome you to come to the talk and hear my thoughts."

The Rev David Robertson, Moderator of the Free Church and director of the Solas Centre, said that they were taking part to make the point that pornography is harmful.

He said: "We are concerned about the ongoing sexualisation of society and the harm that occurs to children, because around a third of 12 to 13 year olds have seen hard-core pornography.

"It is demeaning to women and to others and there doesn't seem to be a need for pornography."