The grand opening of a new bookshop in the centre of Hitchin has been a huge success.

Next Page Books on Queen Street welcomed eager readers for the first time on Saturday.

Owners and long-time pals Liz Tye and Julie Anderson want their bookstore to celebrate and support neurodiversity in children and families.

"It was fabulous to meet so many wonderful families, and we had a great selection of activities, including the Gruffalo roaming around Hitchin," they said speaking to Hitchin Nub News about the day.

"We also had local author Gemma Keir with The Abilities in Me books, craft sessions and storytimes. Also the Imajica theatre company with their sung stories were gorgeous too.

"Many people commented on the diverse selection of books we have, and we have been able to respond to individual requests for books to support particular needs."

Next Page Books are looking forward to further author events, book clubs and storytimes with details to be announced presently.

The store has a loyalty scheme which they're rather proud about - once you collect 10 stamps, you can choose to either have £5 off for yourself or to donate £10 off to a local school.

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"We're working with a number of local schools to increase diversity and representation in their libraries too," they added.