IT promises to be another busy weekend in Ashwell – as hundreds of visitors make their way to the Parish Church Room. Now in its seventh year, the Ashwell Book Weekend, attracts book-lovers from all over the county. Over the last month, people have been

IT promises to be another busy weekend in Ashwell - as hundreds of visitors make their way to the Parish Church Room.

Now in its seventh year, the Ashwell Book Weekend, attracts book-lovers from all over the county.

Over the last month, people have been dropping in their unwanted books in the hope of raising funds for the St Mary's Church Restoration Appeal.

Since the event first took place in 1999, £11,252 has been raised towards the 14th century church. Last year the book weekend raised £2,400.

The Rev Dr Simon Chambers said: "This is a big date for the church and one of several Ashwell initiatives that supports both the church and the community.

"The money raised is particularly important to the St Mary's Restoration Appeal as at the moment we are looking at re-storing the south isle."

Several thousand books are expected to be on sale and organisers are expecting about 500 visitors over the weekend.

One of the organisers, Martin Lush, said: "People come from all over the place for the book weekend.

"People really love the weekend and it helps bring a lot of trade to the village - and the more people that come to Ashwell the better.

"We have already had a lot of books and it's been hard work carrying them and sorting them out. It's going to be a tiresome weekend, but it's all worthwhile."

The Ashwell Book Weekend will run from Saturday-Sunday in the Parish Church Room in Swan Street from 11am-6pm.

A weekend entry pass will cost £1 and book prices range from 25p-£5.

- The Parish Church Room will be open today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) from 10am-4pm for anyone to drop in books for the weekend event.