HUNDREDS of people poured through the doors of a hotel to view specialist and second-hand illustrated children's books at the weekend.

Books old and new were exhibited at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate on Saturday, and more than 450 people attended.

The fair was one of many held throughout the country by the Provincial Book Sellers Fairs Association.

Gill Tiffin, one of the organisers of the event, said: "We had 24 exhibitors and they were all very impressive. It was so very busy and we had an absolutely wonderful day.

"There was a huge variety of children's books and illustrations.

"We hold a lot of book fairs, but they tend to be more successful when they specialise in one thing."

One of the stalls which proved popular displayed an original furry cat from America, based on the classic Dr Seuss children's books.

Next year's children's illustrated book fair will be held in Bath.

The association has announced that it will hold its Crime, Detective, and Spy Fair, in the Melbourne Room of the Crown Hotel, on Saturday, November 23.