COMEDIAN and broadcaster Robin Ince has been confirmed as the first writer to appear at a new bookshop coming to St Helens later this year.

Having successfully completed a community share issue, which raised £45,000, The Bookstop will open in the former Furniture Boutique store on Bridge Street in October.

"We have more than 300 shareholders and we were overwhelmed by the level of support we received from individuals, voluntary organisations, the public sector and local businesses," said trustee Brian Leyland. "The town really came together to help make this happen."

The shop will kick off with what Brian hopes is a regular series of events with an appearance by Mr Ince on Friday, October 8.

The comedian, who is well known for his BBC podcast, The Infinite Monkey Cage, co-presented with Brian Cox, is publishing his latest book, The Importance of Being Interested – Adventures in Scientific Curiosity, the same month.

"For us to get someone as well-known as Robin is a real boost for us at this time," said Brian. "We spoke to a lot of independent book shops before we did the share issue and it became very clear that selling books alone is not going to make you a viable or successful business.

"It's all about creating a community hub and creating an experience for people and the extra revenues you can create from events like book signings and hosting groups.

"We will never be able to compete on price with the likes of Amazon or the supermarkets so it really is all about creating a sense of belonging - luckily we have 363 shareholders in the community who have a vested interest and want to see us succeed."

Despite the coronavirus pandemic causing a series of lockdowns around the country, the volume of print books sold in 2020 grew by 5.2 per cent compared with 2019 - the biggest volume rise in the books market since 2007, and the highest annual value since 2009.

"Ten years ago everyone was predicting the end of the printed book with the thinking being everyone would be reading on a Kindle," said Brian. "Thankfully the tide has turned and there was a big boost last year thanks to the pandemic with the number of independent books increasing as well."

Work is ongoing to complete the new shop and Laura Goodchild, from Parr, has been unveiled as the bookshop's manager.

"Laura's salary will be paid for by the Steve Morgan Foundation for the first three years which has really helped to underpin the viability of the venture," added Brian, who said tickets and details for the Robin Ince event will be confirmed shortly.

For more information and to oder books online go to: sthelensbookstop.co.uk