THREE local authors will help to open a new bookshop in Settle on Saturday (September 28).

Limestone Books, based in the town’s iconic Shambles on the Market Square, will be officially unveiled by local authors Leah Fleming, Diane Allen and Julia Chapman.

Owner Tanya Carter said of her new venture: "It’s driven by my love of books and from seeing other towns with fantastic independent bookshops.

"Whilst Settle has a few brilliant second-hand bookshops, there hasn’t been a formal bookshop for some years. I’m really excited to be changing that."

Tanya, who moved to the Dales from Cambridge seven years ago, is optimistic about the future despite the troubles facing many High Street stores.

"The figures for independent bookshops are really encouraging," she said. "They seem to be bucking the trend. Perhaps because a good bookshop is so much more than just a shop - it’s also part of the community. And that’s what I’m hoping Limestone Books will be, a fundamental part of the community."

With plans to run author-led events and reading groups, Tanya is already working towards that, and is grateful for the support she’s getting locally.

"I’ve had so much encouragement from people in the area. And having Leah, Diane and Julia agree to open the shop and hold an author signing session is fantastic - three bestselling authors and all of them local! It just shows the strong connection between the written word and the region."

Limestone Books will be holding its official opening on Saturday at 11am. All are welcome.