Around 1200 bookworms flocked through the doors of the Methodist Church in Ashley Road, Epsom, on Thursday February 17.  They were attending the first day of one of the UK’s largest three day charity book fairs, organised every year during February half term.

It took the organisers over five minutes to get the number of visitors through the doors and was the largest number ever recorded on the first day of the event.  Someone was overheard to say that it mirrored the ‘Harrods’ sale’.

Approximately 65,000 second hand books, including fiction and non-fiction, CDs, DVDs and records were donated and 200 volunteers helped to sort and stack them into categories.

Andrew Jennings, one of the organisers, said: “The fair raised £35,700 predominately for local charities. This amazing result was almost £4,000 up on last year. It was hard work, but what a great result for the charities involved.”

The proceeds of the fair is divided between seven local charities and split according to the amount of work the charity provides.  This year the largest amount went to Action for Children.

One of the most expensive books sold was written and signed by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.  This was purchased for £150 by one of the seventy four dealers attending the event.

Refreshments and light lunches were prepared and sold all day by a dedicated team of people and it gave visitors the opportunity to sit and mull over their purchases with a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade sponge.

Jacqui Raggett, who has been involved with the fair since its inception, said:  It was a very happy event and enjoyable, not only for the people involved, but for the 2500 visitors who came through the doors.”