A CHARITY shop is appealing for unwanted books as part of a two-week drive.

Oxfam volunteers will be out from next week delivering leaflets in the Durham City area appealing for unwanted or unread volumes to help raise much needed funds.

Across the country, the charity is hoping that more than 300,000 books will be donated during its annual Bookfest drive, which runs from July 2 to 17, raising an expected £500,000 for the charity’s life changing work.

Books can be donated to the Oxfam shop at 12 Elvet Bridge, Durham City, or give them a ring on 0191 384 7440 and they will send a van round to pick them up.

Bookshop manager Michael Ridsdale said: 'We've decided to head door to door this year to drum up extra support.

"The people of Durham have always been so wonderful at donating their unwanted books, but we are always in need of more. If anyone has any fiction, classic fiction or non-fiction books, of a sellable nature, we'd love to hear from you.

"During last year's Donation Drive, Oxfam saw a nine per cent increase in book donations nationwide and we definitely saw an increase in book donations to the Durham shop.

The sale of three books is enough to provide a child with school supplies,12 books pays for a teacher to be trained and 179 books would set up a library.