A TAVISTOCK independent book shop has been awarded a grant for essential repairs by a multi-million, best-selling US author.

Book Stop on Market Street, has been given the grant for repairs and new signage by author James Patterson.

Book Stop is one of 69 successful independent book shops across the UK and Ireland which was allocated a share of £110,000 in the latest round of grants following James Patterson’s pledge to donate £250,000 in the year from April 15, to support and demonstrate his faith in independent book shops as providers of reader engagement, inspiration, advice, literacy and fun to children and adults alike.

Book Stop’s proprietors Simon and Natasha Church said: ‘We are thrilled to have been selected for a grant by the James Patterson Fund. Not only will the money help us in effecting much needed repairs and improvements to our shop frontage, but our selection for this grant acknowledges our ongoing commitment to servicing the literary needs of our local community and schools.’