A LITERACY charity is looking to set up a "pop up shop" in Barnstaple.

BookRelief UK, a North Devon charity which last year funded reading campaigns in two schools, is looking for temporary shop space in Barnstaple so it can continue to trade after its current premises were sold by the owner.

The charity, which has been selling books from a store in Boutport Street, is looking to gain the use of a property on a "meanwhile use" basis.

Under such an arrangement the charity would not pay commercial rates, making it financially viable to run a town centre shop.

The charity has raised £1,100 in the Boutport Street store. If it had been paying normal rates that would have amounted to a loss.

BookRelief chairman Barry Evetts said: "In these difficult economic times, with quite a number of town centre shops remaining unoccupied it makes sense for a charity or other not-for-profit organisation to use the space either for a defined period or until the landlord finds a commercial tenant. The charity is responsible for paying rates, utility bills and sometimes for maintenance."

Any landlords interested in finding out more should contact Barry Evetts by e-mailing barry.evetts@tiscali.co.uk or call 01237 422229.