BOOKS rather than beer will be on offer today when a pub opens for business.

Residents of High Spen, in Gateshead, have been invited to join in the celebrations at the opening of the community library - in the Bute Arms, at 11am.

The library is a joint venture between the pub and the High Spen Community Association.

Initially, it will be open on Monday and Thursday mornings. There will be tea and coffee on sale, but no alcohol.

Community association secretary Lynne Caffrey said: "We hope this will be not just a library but also a place for the community to meet and socialise, as our village does not have a community centre.

"It's a great opportunity for people from across the village to work together to make this a success.

"The whole venture will work on trust, as there will be no formal membership.

"Books are not stamped in or out, so borrowers can keep them as long as they like. And if they want to keep it, that's fine too, as long as they bring along another one to replace it."

Anyone who would like to help staff the library is asked to contact Lynne Caffrey on (01207) 545511.