NORTH Leigh residents have expressed their sadness at the departure of the community’s popular librarian.

Sarah Widdicombe checked out her last books after five years running the village library at the Memorial Hall, in Park Road.

She is moving to a new job as senior library assistant at Eynsham Library.

During her time in North Leigh she set up book clubs for all ages and held many events to encourage children to read.

She was presented with a book of good wishes signed by more than 200 people and a bouquet of flowers at a leaving party held at the library on Saturday, March 16.

Geoff Feasey, of the Friends of North Leigh Library, said: “She will be missed a great deal. Sarah was part of the village.

“My three points to her when I presented the bouquet were thank you for all you have done, enjoy Eynsham and, if you ever get the chance, come back to us.”

Save Oxfordshire Libraries campaign co-ordinator Judith Wardle said: “People are already saying that they feel lost without her.

“Year on year she was increasing the numbers of readers at the library. She was central to the community.”