MP Mel Stride visited the Crediton Community Bookshop to see how the recently formed business is running.

He said: "This has been an extraordinary success story. The way the town and area rallied round to preserve the business by purchasing shares has been truly inspiring.

"I have no doubt that this co-operative model will help the business to thrive and prosper, as well as serve to strengthen community involvement."

Shop manager Dee Lalljee revealed that the not-for-profit bookshop plans to expand the children's section.

"It will run events for people of all ages and intertests, such as story-telling, author readings and book groups,"she said, adding, "It will promote local literature and work with schools and learning groups."

Authors Babette Cole, Michael Morpurgo and William Trevor have agreed to be patrons.