MARGATE Town Partnership and Pilgrims Hospices have joined forces to turn the old Midland Bank building into a charity bookshop.

The bookshop promises to be a welcome addition to Old Town Margate when it opens in early August.

Pilgrims Hospices is now appealing for volunteer staff and book donations from the local community.

Margate Town Partnership chairman Terence Painter and farmer Richard Ash came up with the idea of opening a bookshop in the old Midland Bank building to benefit both Pilgrims Hospices and the regeneration of Old Town Margate.

Margate Town Partnership is passionate about promoting the town and the idea was formed at a dinner at Pilgrims Hospices Thanet, at which Pilgrims Hospices chief executive, Steve Auty, asked a group of business people how they might be able to help the charity.

Steve Auty said: "We are very grateful to both Terence and Richard for creating an opportunity to raise valuable income to enable Pilgrims Hospices to continue to provide compassionate care for the people of Thanet.

"We hope that people will support the shop by volunteering their services, donating books and, of course, buying them! We will be available to accept donations at the shop during July. Anyone wishing to volunteer or to enquire about donating books should call Frances Hall on 07967 650911.

"There is a place for everyone as duties range from assisting customers to selling, sorting and displaying goods. Full training will be provided."