A MAN from Shipton-under-Wychwood is opening a new chapter in a Cotswold town by setting up a bookshop.

The Gloucestershire town of Moreton-in-Marsh saw its last bookshop close at the start of this year.

But Richard Kemp is confident his new shop will build on the success of a store he and his sister Jackie opened in Ruislip, near London, a year ago.

Christmas Birds and Books is taking over premises in Moreton’s Old Market Way arcade.

Mr Kemp said: “People do really value having a bookshop. When they lose one and realise what life is like without it they value it. I’m hoping that will happen in Moreton.

“Towns deserve bookshops. They’re part of the community. When I realised the bookshop had closed it just seemed to me it was a real shame.

“Everyone we’ve spoken to has been incredibly positive.”

The shop will offer a wide selection of titles, with a focus on Christmas and ornithology and will be open seven days a week.