ESTABLISHED and run by Jill Holden since 1983, The Book Shop at 100 High Street, Crediton is a great asset to the community.

However, Jill would like to retire and it has been suggested that the shop becomes a Community Book Shop.

This would be a "not for profit venture", owned and run by the community. While it would build on the wonderful service currently provided by the shop, there would also be the opportunity to introduce new and exciting ideas.

Two meetings are being held and everyone is invited to attend one of them to find out about the plans and proposals, new developments, volunteering, support and opportunities for investment.

The first meeting will be at the Boniface Centre on Wednesday, June 27, beginning at 8.30pm.

The second meeting will be held at Crediton Arts Centre on Tuesday, July 10, beginning at 7.30pm.

Jill added: "Please come to a meeting to hear more or to register your support.

"Please telephone 01363 774740 or email: [email protected]">[email protected] ."

The Book Shop has been featured in The Guardian's Good Shopping Guide.

It offers a friendly and efficient service and stocks a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and children's books.

It provides a welcoming atmosphere in which to browse or simply pop in and order a title you would like.

As well as stocking a broad selection of greetings cards, The Book Shop is also Crediton's Tourist Information Point, specialising in books, maps and guides of Devon and the West Country.

The shop offers a fast and efficient service for customer orders and also offers a search service for rare and out of print books.

Jill offers tailored advice on choosing books for family and friends, especially children.

She runs a loyalty scheme for regular customers and discounts are available for schools, colleges and reading groups.

Alan Quick