ORGANISERS behind the bid to bring Crediton's Bookshop into community ownership announced, on Monday, September 16, their success in securing a new chapter for the much-loved store.

A community share offer, launched with support from The Co-operative Enterprise Hub, helped raise £39,000 and attracted more than 250 members who have invested between £20 and £5,000 to "co-own" the bookshop and join the community benefit society set up to safeguard the store.

More than two thirds of the money raised will provide working capital and pay for initial opening stock.

Crediton Community Bookshop aims to officially re-launch as a community-owned store on Saturday, October 5.

Ken McKechnie, co-chair of The Crediton Community Bookshop, said: "We are absolutely thrilled and delighted. We shared a dream to save this bookshop for the benefit of the community and our dream has now become reality.

"I would like to thank all those who have shown their support and encouragement along the way and played their part in saving the bookshop, not only for the book-lovers of today but for our next generation of readers and writers.

"It was Jill Holden's idea that her work of 30 years in building up The Book Shop might be continued by offering it to the community and I'd like to pay tribute to her, too."

The bookshop committee has ambitious plans, particularly to extend the children's section and engage with schools.

Shares remain available for all who want to take part as co-owners of the business.

For more information about Crediton Community Bookshop and plans for the shop's official re-launch and open day visit: http://www.creditoncommunitybookshop.co.uk">www.creditoncommunitybookshop.co.uk .