A SHOP which gave away books for free in Worcester is closing down today (Saturday) despite efforts to find a new home.

Books for Free, based in the Cathedral Plaza in the city centre, opened in the city three years ago.

The shop is run by London-based Healthy Planet and gives away literature for free, with donations encouraged but not demanded, to save books going to landfill.

However, with the regeneration of the plaza underway, the shop had to find a new home, but despite their best efforts nothing suitable has come up.

Vicky O'Connor, who voluntarily manages the shop, said she is "very sad" to have to close.

"We've been here for three years and in that time we've built up a really good relationship with people in the city. A lot of people come along and see us as part of their weekly trip to town," she said.

"We have known for quite a while now that we would have to find a new premises. Healthy Planet were sorting that out for us but unfortunately were unable to find us anywhere to go.

"Some of our customers ask us why it isn't as simple as us moving in to one of the several empty shops in Worcester, but it isn't that easy. Because we purely rely on what donations we get, and some funding that Healthy Planet gets, we have to be able to negotiate rates with a landlord, and not every landlord is prepared to compromise.

"The shelving and books will be put in to storage until we find a new home, but that may not happen. We really hope it does though, we are very sad to have to leave."

The shop shuts to customers at 5pm today.

Healthy Planet re-distributes books throughout communities via their more than 30 volunteer-run centres on high streets nationwide.

If you can help provide a premises, call Healthy Planet on 02034052485 or 01905 351297.