SETTLE'S Limestone Books opened its doors for the first time on Saturday and was given a warm welcome from the town.

Local authors Leah Fleming, Diane Allen and Julia Chapman were on hand to cut the ribbon and host a signing, while owner Tanya Carter was kept busy behind the till as people queued to buy books. Marking the event with customised cakes depicting her favourite novels, Tanya was overjoyed with the reception her new venture received.

"I’ve been completely overwhelmed with the support from the community. So many people have called in to wish us luck, buy and order books, and to say how glad they are to have a new bookshop in the town. It’s been amazing. And to have three bestselling authors at the opening was just fantastic," she said.

Addressing those gathered for the official opening, Langcliffe author Leah Fleming was enthusiastic about the latest addition to Settle’s historic Shambles on Market Square.

"It is great to see that the national trend of bookshop closures has been reversed locally and a joy to welcome Limestone Books to our community," she said.