AWARD-WINNING children's author Nick Arnold will be in the Crediton Community Bookshop this month as part of a busy April programme.

Arnold, author of the Horrible Science series that has sold over four million copies, will be signing his books at the bookshop's open day on Saturday, April 6. Later in the month, older readers can enjoy poetry à la carte and a buffet supper at the Lamb Inn, in Sandford.

Community bookshop chairman Ken McKechnie said:?'We want to show that the re-launched Bookshop will be about more than just selling books.

'We now have approaching £30,000 in our bank account from our share issue alone. Over 200 people have invested in the new shop. That makes us fully confident that we can find the rest of the money we need.

'We planned to secure funding through grants. As this has proved difficult, we have decided to extend the share offer for two more months so we can raise what we need from shares.

'Ours won't just be a community bookshop in name, but a place where people who like books can get together, enjoy meeting authors and poets, and good company.

'We urge everyone who has not yet done so to go to our website, learn about our plans and help make them happen by buying some shares while the opportunity remains open.'

These figures have impressed the committee's business adviser, Lorna Turner, of The Fruit Tree for Business: 'Securing this level of investment to date is very encouraging, and shows a genuine level of support from the town and further afield.

'Community ownership through a share issue is becoming increasingly common and is a clear demonstration of the fact that local communities care about their services and amenities.'

The bookshop open day runs from 10am to 2pm, and there will be a free raffle for a token to spend at the bookshop. Nick Arnold will be signing books at 11am. To signal the shop's intention to specialise in children's books, there will be stories and a quiz for children.

The poetry à la carte evening takes place on April 12 at 7.15pm. James Crowden, Alan Peacock and Lawrence Sail will be among the poets having their work read out. The event costs £12.50 per person.

For more information on any of the events visit creditoncommunitybookshop.co.uk