Novelist Martina Cole was far from a dangerous lady when she helped to reopen a Basildon book shop.

Ceremony - writer Martina Cole grabs the scissors as shop manager Gina Brown and a furry pal lend a hand Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

The Ottakar's book shop, in the Eastgate Centre, has been closed for almost a month to undergo the refit, which has transformed the shop.

Benfleet author Martina, who has had a very close relationship with the shop since her first book Dangerous Lady was published in 1992, was joined by a giant cuddly bear to open the shop at the weekend.

Published Wednesday, April 9, 2003

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