15805/01THE only specialist children's bookshop in the West of England is about to expand its premises in Long Street, Devizes.

Former teacher Karen Hellewell took over the Well Wisher bookshop from Brian Luckwell in 1999 and was soon joined by Jo Williams, a former chairman of the Federation of Children's Book Groups and a co-ordinator of the Red House Children's Book Awards, the only awards to be voted for exclusively by children.

It was through her connections to the awards that she was able to arrange a visit by the award-winning science fiction writer, Terry Pratchett, creator of Discworld, to the Corn Exchange in Devizes on May 6.

Mrs Williams said: "I see the publishers a lot in my job as co-ordinator of the awards and they want to support independent book sellers as much as they can.

"They offered us the opportunity to get Terry Pratchett to come to

Devizes and we jumped at it."

Mr Pratchett will talk about his work as a writer, how Discworld came about and will sign books at the end.

Admission will be by ticket only and they are on sale at the Well Wisher at £1 each. The entrance fee is redeemable against the purchase of any books at the event.

The two booksellers are looking forward to moving into the former die-cast model shop next door, not only because it offers them more space, but because it is much more visible site.

Mrs Hellewell said: "A lot of people say, oh, I didn't know you were here. I mean, the shop has been here for many years before I bought it but it is not visible until you are right on top of it.

"Hopefully, our new position will make us more obvious."

The bookshop does not rely on passing trade, however. They regularly organise visits to schools throughout the south of England and work with schools in organising book bazaars and visits by children's authors.

Mrs Hellewell is a former teacher and knows only too well that the way to put any child off reading is to try and make them do it.

There is an opportunity for very young readers to come and meet one of their idols when Spot the Dog visits the shop in Long Street on Saturday, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

As well as being able to meet the big yellow and brown cuddly hero, youngsters will be entertained with storytelling, games, colouring, balloons and pieces of cake.