NOVELIST Leah Fleming will officially open Bentham Library's new premises on Saturday.

The library now occupies the first floor at Pioneer Projects’ centre in King Street, and the event will run from 11am to 1pm, though the library will be open from 10am.

Bentham became a "community-managed" library in April as part of changes that require all county libraries to be supported or run by volunteers.

It moved into its new home in May as part of a partnership between health and arts charity Pioneer Projects, volunteer group the Friends of Bentham Library and the County Council’s library service and Stronger Communities team.

There will be tea, coffee and cake, as well as children’s activities and face- painting to coincide with the launch on the same day of this year’s 'summer reading challenge'

North Yorkshire County Councillor Greg White, executive member for library and information services, said: “Even though the library has been in its new home for only a few weeks, the feedback has been extremely positive.

"We hope the launch will encourage even more people to pop in to discover the bright welcome that awaits - not to mention the fabulous view across the surrounding countryside.

“This is an excellent example of partnerships in action. The move brings the library closer to the town centre and means resources, costs and expertise can be shared and initiatives developed.”

Bentham is one of several new volunteer-run libraries in Craven, joining others in Settle, Ingleton and Cross Hills, which is also holding an official launch on Saturday with BBC Look North weather presenter Paul Hudson, from 10.30am.

These libraries join existing community-managed libraries at Gargrave, Grassington and Embsay.