DOVES Christian Bookshop closed its doors for the last time on Christmas Eve — leaving five members of staff unemployed.

The shop, which has been located in various premises in Barnstaple over the last 20 years, has fallen victim to the financial climate.

Owner Philip Milton says it has always been a loss making entity but that he had kept it open as his personal charity.

Volunteer worker at the store, James Richardson, said the closure of the shop had come at a bad time.

He said: "I'm gutted it's closing — Barnstaple is losing a vital Christian service. I've loved my time here — it's been nice getting to know the regulars.

"Regardless of faith, people have loved coming to the shop ether for a coffee or just for a browse. The closure is bad timing and I don't feel the shop has been given a chance to flourish."

Manager of Doves, Celia Withers, agreed that the timing was bad but said: "There is never a good time to hear that you are going to lose your job.

"I think we've lost out to Christian internet businesses which are really killing the small shops in rural areas such as North Devon.

"We draw people from such a wide area but, when we're gone, they will probably stop coming to Barnstaple altogether which will have a knock on effect on other businesses.

"It's very sad to see the shop go — it's been a vital part of the Christian community in Barnstaple for a long time and I would encourage people to use some of the many other brilliant Christian shops around North Devon."

Christine Hutchins, a school teacher from Westward Ho!, has been using Doves bookshop for the past 10 years and will be sad to see it go.

She said: "I buy all sorts from here — books, worship music, piano sheet music and, of course, Bibles.

"I'm really sad to lose the shop — Barnstaple is fast becoming a clone town with the same old shops as everywhere else.

"The timing is also pretty unfortunate. Christmas is the time for celebrating the birth of Christ and by this shop closing we are just not doing that."

Owner of the shop, Philip Milton, added: "The shop has always been a loss making entity — my personal charity for 20 years. North Devon will miss the store, I am confident in that.

"We offer far more than just books — when people are feeling low they can come here for support and guidance.

"I should have pulled the plug three or four years ago really but it is my passion. The staff have not really made the effort to embrace my vision for the store which could be a contributing factor. I would love to see someone else take it on in the future."

● Celia is trying to keep a Christian bookshop in Barnstaple by raising funds to buy a franchise from Wesley Owen.

For more information contact Celia on 01271 883228.