A CHARITY book fair which raises tens of thousands of pounds each year is set to return.

Since the NSPCC book fair began, it has collectively raised more than £500,000 for the children’s charity.

This year the event hopes to exceed its annual target of £20,000

Book collectors and enthusiastic readers will have the opportunity to browse for rare pieces of literature, as well as their favourite titles at Holmwood House School in Colchester.

The event will also see the mass sale of jigsaws, boardgames, CDs and DVDs, as well as the staggering 20,000 rare and interesting book titles available on the day.

Event organiser, Elizabeth Borg, said: “The book fair has come a long way from its first fair back in 1989, which was put together by 12 volunteers and raised around £5,000.

“The group now has 25 volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year with 70 volunteers working across the event weekend.

“Our volunteers spend all year sourcing these books, sorting them and getting the event ready and it’s so important to us that this event does well.

“The money we have raised in the past has done so much to help the NSPCC on their mission to help struggling children and young people.”

Sarah Laffling is the NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for Essex.

She  said: “Growing up can be difficult for every child, and for some children and young people, they feel completely lost and alone.

“This book fare has been a staple of NSPCC local fundraising for over 30 years, and we would love for all book lovers in the area to show their support and come down on either of the days of this annual event.”

The event will take place at Holmwood House School on October 22 and 23, from 9.30am till 4pm.

Admission costs £1.50 per person, with free entry for under 16s. For more information on the NSPCC Colchester book fair, visit bit.ly/3CFazly.